Columbia  ^nitier^ftj) 

intI)eCitpof3lrttjgork 


LIBRARY 


C|)e  Cift  of  Cartimal  Wol&t^ 


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THE  LIFE  AND   DEATH   OF 

Cardinal  Wolstv 

WRITTEN   BY   GEORGE  CAVENDISH 

ILLUSTRATED 

WITH   PORTRAITS  BY 

HOLBEIN 


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BOSTON  AND  NEW  YORK 

HOUGHTON   MIFFLIN  AND  COMPANY 

MDCCCCV 


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THIS    EDITION    CONSISTS    OF     IO3O    COPIES 

PRINTED  AT    THE    RIVERSIDE    PRESS 

CAMBRIDGE     MDCCCCV 


INTRODUCTORY    NOTE 

George  Cavendish,  author  of  the  Life  of  Cardinal  Wolsey,  the  first 
true  biography  written  in  England,  was  born  in  1500,  and  died  in 
1 56 1.  He  was  the  eldest  son  of  Thomas  Cavendish,  Clerk  of  the 
Pipe  in  the  Exchequer.  In  i  ^2^  he  was  married  to  a  niece  of  Sir 
Thomas  More.  Two  years  later,  in  1^26,  he  took  service  in  the 
suite  of  Cardinal  Wolsey ,  ^^  abandoning"  as  the  Cardinal  said,  "  his 
own  country,  wife  and  children,  his  own  house  and  family,  his  rest 
and  quietness,  only  to  serve  me."  In  the  four  years  that  intervened 
between  this  time  and  Wolsey^ s  fall  and  death.  Cavendish  was  his 
devoted  servitor.  He  was  with  him  in  the  time  of  his  adversity,  and 
was  present  at  his  death. 

Cavendish  seems  deeply  to  have  meditated  the  dramatic  spectacle 
which  his  master  s  life  presented,  and  to  have  taken  to  heart  its 
lesson  of  the  "  wondrous  mutability  of  vain  honours,  the  brittle  assur- 
ances of  abundance,  the  uncertainty  of  dignities,  the  flattering  of 
vain  friends,  and  the  tickle  trust  to  worldly  princes.'^  After  Wol- 
sey's  burial.  Cavendish  retired  as  speedily  as  he  might  to  his  quiet 
country  home  in  Suffolk,  there  to  spend  the  thirty-one  years  of  life 
remaining  to  him,  in  comparative  poverty  and  failure.  He  must, 
however,  have  found  solace  in  continual  brooding  upon  the  rich  and 
crowded  years  of  his  service  with  the  great  Cardinal,  for  after  some 
years  of  idleness  he  bestirred  himself  to  write  this  simple,  sincere,  and 
picturesque  record  of  the  things  he  had  seen. 

His  work  remained  long  in  manuscript,  for,  owing  to  its  reflections 
upon  the  character  of  Henry  VIII,  it  could  not  safely  be  published 
in  the  lifetime  of  his  daughter.  It  was  first  printed  in  an  incom- 
plete and  corrupt  form  in  1 64 1  ,for  the  sake  of  turning  its  moral 
against  Archbishop  Laud,  another  prelate  ambitious  in  statecraft. 
Before  this  time,  however,  it  had  been  largely  circulated  in  numer- 
ous manuscript  copies,  and  it  had  fonned  the  basis  of  the  account 
of  Wolsey  in  Holinshed's  Chronicles.    Either  indirectly,  through 


[vi] 

Holinshed,  or  directly  in  manuscript,  it  had  coloured  the  interpreta- 
tion ofWolsey's  character  and  career  that  has  been  made  traditional 
by  Shakespeare. 

.  .  .  This  Cardinal, 
Though  from  an  humble  stock,  undoubtedly 
Was  fashion  d  to  much  honour  from  his  cradle. 
He  was  a  scholar,  and  a  ripe,  and  good  one  ; 
Exceeding  wise,  fair  spoken,  and  persuading  : 
Lofty,  and  sour,  to  them  that  lovd  him  not. 
But,  to  those  men  that  sought  him,  sweet  as  summer. 
And  though  he  were  unsatisfied  in  getting, 
{Which  was  a  sin),  yet  in  bestowing  — 
He  was  most  princely :  Ever  witness  for  him 
Ipswich  and  Oxford!  one  of  which  fell  with  him. 
Unwilling  to  outlive  the  good  that  did  it ; 
The  other,  though  unfinished,  yet  so  famous. 
So  excellent  in  art,  and  yet  so  rising. 
That  Christendom  shall  ever  speak  his  virtue. 
His  overthrow  heaped  happiness  upon  him  ; 
For  then,  and  not  till  then,  he  felt  himself. 
And  found  the  blessedness  of  being  little  : 
And,  to  add  greater  honours  to  his  age 
Than  man  could  give  him,  he  died  fearing  God. 

Editions  of  the  book  were  printed  from  imperfect  manuscripts  sev- 
eral times  in  the  seventeenth  and  eighteenth  centuries,  but  no  edition 
has  any  final  value  until  we  come  to  that  of  S.  W.  Singer,  who 
reprinted  it,  from  what  is  fairly  established  to  have  been  the  author's 
manuscript,  in  1815.  The  present  edition  follows  that  of  Singer, 
who  slightly  modernized  the  archaic  orthography  of  the  original 
manuscript,  and  made  uniform  its  irregularities,  though  certain  of 
the  corrections  made  from  the  manuscript  by  Mr.  F.  S.  Ellis,  who 
edited  it  for  the  Kelmscott  Press  Edition  m  i  8  9  3 ,  and  for  the  Temple 
Classics  Edition  in  1899,  have  been  embodied  in  it. 

4  Park  Street. 


LIST  OF   ILLUSTRATIONS 

Thomas  Wolsey,  Cardinal Frontispiece 

From  the  painting  assumed  to  be  by  Hans  Holbein,  the  younger.  In  the 
possession  of  Christ  Church,  Oxford.  page 

Henry  VII 6 

From  the  painting  in  the  National  Portrait  Gallery,  London. 

William  Warham,  Archbishop  of  Canterbury 14 

From  the  painting  by  Hans  Holbein,  the  younger.  In  the  Gallery  at 
Windsor. 

Sir  Henry  Guildford 26 

From  the  painting  by  Hans  Holbein,  the  younger.  In  the  Gallery  at 
Windsor. 

Anne  Boleyn 30 

From  the  painting  by  Hans  Holbein,  the  younger.  In  the  Gallery  at 
Windsor. 

Catherine  of  Aragon 36 

From  the  painting  in  the  National  Portrait  Gallery,  London. 

Mary  Tudor  and  Charles  Brandon 52 

From  the  painting  attributed  to  Mabuse.  In  the  collection  of  the  Earl 
of  Tar  borough. 

Facsimile  of  Letter  from  Henry  VIII  to  Cardinal  Wolsey, 

July,  151 8 60 

From  the  original  manuscript  in  the  British  Museum. 

John  Fisher,  Bishop  of  Rochester 80 

From  the  painting  by  Hans  Holbein,  the  younger.  In  the  Gallery  at 
Windsor. 

Thomas  Cromwell,  Earl  of  Essex,  about  1537 106 

From  the  painting  by  Hans  Holbein,  the  younger.  In  the  collection  of 
the  Countess  of  Caledon,  at  Tyttenhanger  Park,  near  St.  Albans,  Hert- 
fordshire. 

Henry  VIII 168 

After  the  painting  by  Hans  Holbein,  the  younger.  In  the  Gallery  at 
Windsor. 


THE  PROLOGUE 

^ESEEMS  it  were  no  wisdom  to  credit  every 
light  tale,  blasted  abroad  by  the  blasphem- 
ous mouth  of  the  rude  commonalty.  For 
we  daily  hear  how,  with  their  blasphemous 
trump,  they  spread  abroad  innumerable  lies, 
without  either  shame  or  honesty,  which 
primd  facie  showeth  forth  a  visage  of  truth,  as  though  it  were 
a  perfect  verity  and  matter  indeed,  whereas  there  is  nothing 
more  untrue.  And  amongst  the  wise  sort  so  it  is  esteemed, 
with  whom  those  babblings  be  of  small  force  and  effect. 

Forsooth  I  have  read  the  exclamations  of  divers  worthy 
and  notable  authors,  made  against  such  false  rumours  and 
fond  opinions  of  the  fantastical  commonalty,  who  delighteth 
in  nothing  more  than  to  hear  strange  things,  and  to  see  new 
alterations  of  authorities  ;  rejoicing  sometimes  in  such  new 
fantasies,  which  afterwards  give  them  more  occasion  of  re- 
pentance than  of  joyfulness.  Thus  may  all  men  of  wisdom 
and  discretion  understand  the  temerous  madness  of  the  rude 
commonalty,  and  not  give  to  them  too  hasty  credit  of  every 
sudden  rumour,  until  the  truth  be  perfectly  known  by  the 
report  of  some  approved  and  credible  person,  that  ought  to 
have  thereof  true  intelligence.  I  have  heard  and  also  seen 
set  forth  in  divers  printed  books  some  untrue  imaginations 
after  the  death  of  divers  persons  which  in  their  life  were  of 
great  estimation,  that  were  invented  rather  to  bring  their 
honest  names  into  infamy  and  perpetual  slander  of  the  com- 
mon multitude,  than  otherwise. 

The  occasion  therefore  that  maketh  me  to  rehearse  all  these 
things  is  this ;  forasmuch  as  I  intend,  God  willing,  to  write 
here  some  part  of  the  proceedings  of  Legate  and  Cardinal 
Wolsey,  Archbishop  of  York,  and  of  his  ascending  and  descend- 


2  %\}t  33roloffue 

ing  from  honorous  estate  ;  whereof  some  part  shall  be  of  mine 
own  knowledge,  and  some  of  other  persons'  information. 

Forsooth  this  cardinal  was  my  lord  and  master,  whom  in 
his  life  I  served,  and  so  remained  with  him  after  his  fall 
continually  during  the  term  of  all  his  trouble  until  he  died  ; 
as  well  in  the  south  as  in  the  north  parts,  and  noted  all  his 
demeanour  and  usage  in  all  that  time ;  as  also  in  his  wealthy 
triumph  and  glorious  estate.   And  since  his  death  I  have 
heard  divers  and  sundry  surmises  and  imagined  tales,  made 
of  his  proceedings  and  doings,  which  I  myself  have  perfectly 
known  to  be  most  untrue  ;  unto  the  which  I  could  have  suffi- 
ciently answered  according  to  the  truth,  but,  as  me  seemeth, 
it  was  much  better  for  me  to  suffer  and  dissimule  the  matter, 
and  the  same  to  remain  still  as  lies,  than  to  reply  against 
their  untruth,  of  whom   I  might,  for   my  boldness,  sooner 
have  kindled  a  great  flame  of  displeasing,  than  to  quench  one 
spark  of  their  malicious  untruth.    Therefore  I  commit  the 
truth  to  Him  that  knoweth  all  truth.    For,  whatsoever  any 
man  hath  conceived  in  him  when  he  lived,  or  since  his  death, 
thus  much  I  dare  be  bold  to  say,  without   displeasure  to 
any  person,  or  of  affection,  that  in  my  judgment  I  never  saw 
this  realm  in  better  order,  quietness,  and  obedience,  than  it 
was  in  the  time  of  his  authority  and  rule,  nor  justice  better 
ministered  with  indifferency ;  as  I  could  evidently  prove,  if 
I  should  not  be  accused  of  too  much  affection,  or  else  that 
I  set  forth  more  than  truth.     I  will  therefore  here 
desist  to  speak  any  more  in  his  commendation, 
and  proceed  first  to  his  original  begin- 
ning, ascending  by  fortune's  favour 
up  to  high  honours,  dignities, 
promotions,  and 
riches. 

Finis  quod  G.  C. 


Wtft  iLift  of  Cartiinal  Wolst^ 


[RUTH  it  is.  Cardinal  Wolsey,  sometime 
Archbishop  of  York,  was  an  honest  poor 
man's  son,  born  in  Ipswich,  within  the 
county  of  Suffolk;  and  being  but  a  child,  was 
very  apt  to  learning;  by  means  whereof  his 
parents,  or  his  good  friends  and  masters, 
conveyed  him  to  the  University  of  Oxford,  where  he  prospered 
so  in  learning  that  (as  he  told  me  in  his  own  person)  he  was 
called  the  boy-bachelor,  forasmuch  as  he  was  made  Bachelor 
of  Arts  at  fifteen  years  of  age,  which  was  a  rare  thing,  and 
seldom  seen. 

Thus  prospering  and  increasing  in  learning,  he  was  made 
Fellow  of  Magdalen  College,  and  after  appointed,  for  his 
learning,  to  be  schoolmaster  there;  at  which  time  the  Lord 
Marquess  Dorset  had  three  of  his  sons  at  school  there  with 
him,  committing  as  well  unto  him  their  virtuous  education,  as 
their  instruction  and  learning.  It  pleased  the  said  marquess, 
against  a  Christmas  season,  to  send  as  well  for  the  schoolmaster 
as  for  his  children,  home  to  his  house,  for  their  recreation  in 
that  pleasant  and  honourable  feast.  They  being  then  there,  my 
lord  their  father  perceived  them  to  be  right  well  employed  in 
learning,  for  their  time :  which  contented  him  so  well,  that  he 
having  a  benefice  in  his  gift,  being  at  that  time  void,  gave  the 
same  to  the  schoolmaster,  in  reward  for  his  diligence,  at  his 
departing  after  Christmas  upon  his  return  to  the  University. 
And  having  the  presentation  thereof,  he  repaired  to  the  ordi- 
nary for  his  institution  and  induction.  Then  being  fully  fur- 
nished of  all  necessary  instruments  at  the  ordinary's  hands  for 
his  preferment,  he  made  speed  without  any  farther  delay  to 


4  %f\t  %ift  of 

the  said  benefice  to  take  thereof  possession.  And  being  there 
for  that  intent,  one  Sir  Amyas  Paulet,  knight,  dwelHng  in  the 
country  thereabout,  took  an  occasion  of  displeasure  against  him, 
upon  what  ground  I  know  not:  but,  sir,  by  your  leave,  he  was 
so  bold  to  set  the  schoolmaster  by  the  feet  during  his  pleasure; 
the  which  was  afterward  neither  forgotten  nor  forgiven ;  for 
when  the  schoolmaster  mounted  the  dignity  of  Chancellor  of 
England,  he  was  not  oblivious  of  the  old  displeasure  minis- 
tered unto  him  by  Master  Paulet,  but  sent  for  him,  and  after 
many  sharp  and  heinous  words,  enjoined  him  to  attend  upon 
the  council  until  he  were  by  them  dismissed,  and  not  to  depart 
without  license,  upon  an  urgent  pain  and  forfeiture:  so  that  he 
continued  within  the  Middle  Temple,  the  space  of  five  or  six 
years  or  more;  whose  lodging  there  was  in  the  gate-house  next 
the  street,  which  he  re-edified  very  sumptuously,  garnishing 
the  same,  on  the  outside  thereof,  with  cardinals'  hats  and  arms, 
badges  and  cognisaunces  of  the  cardinal,  with  divers  other  de- 
vices, in  so  glorious  a  sort,  that  he  thought  thereby  to  appease 
his  old  unkind  displeasure. 

Now  may  this  be  a  good  example  and  precedent  to  men  in 
authority,  which  will  sometimes  work  their  will  without  wit, 
to  remember  in  their  authority,  how  authority  may  decay ; 
and  whom  they  punish  of  will  more  than  of  justice,  may  after 
be  advanced  in  the  public  weal  to  high  dignities  and  govern- 
ance, and  they  based  as  low,  who  will  then  seek  the  means  to 
be  revenged  of  old  wrongs  sustained  wrongfully  before.  Who 
would  have  thought  then,  when  Sir  Amyas  Paulet  punished 
this  poor  scholar,  that  ever  he  should  have  attained  to  be 
Chancellor  of  England,  considering  his  baseness  in  every 
condition.  These  be  wonderful  works  of  God  and  fortune. 
Therefore  I  would  wish  all  men  in  authority  and  dignity  to 
know  and  fear  God  in  all  their  triumphs  and  glory ;  consider- 
ing in  all  their  doings,  that  authorities  be  not  permanent,  but 
may  slide  and  vanish,  as  princes'  pleasures  do  alter  and  change. 


CartJtnal  Wolsit^        '         s 

Then,  as  all  living  things  must  of  very  necessity  pay  the 
due  debt  of  nature,  w^hich  no  earthly  creature  can  resist,  it 
chanced  the  Lord  Marquess  to  depart  out  of  this  present  life. 
After  whose  death  the  schoolmaster,  considering  then  w^ith 
himself  to  be  but  a  small  beneficed  man,  and  to  have  lost  his 
fellowship  in  the  College  (for,  as  I  understand,  if  a  fellow  of 
that  college  be  once  promoted  to  a  benefice  he  shall  by  the 
rules  of  the  house  be  dismissed  of  his  fellowship),  and  perceiv- 
ing himself  to  be  also  destitute  of  his  singular  good  lord, 
thought  not  to  be  long  unprovided  of  some  other  succour  or 
staff,  to  defend  him  from  all  such  storms  as  he  lately  sustained. 

And  in  his  travail  thereabout,  he  fell  in  acquaintance  with 
one  Sir  John  Nanfant,  a  very  grave  and  ancient  knight,  who 
had  a  great  room  in  Calais  under  King  Harry  the  Seventh. 
This  knight  he  served,  and  behaved  him  so  discreetly  and 
justly,  that  he  received  the  special  favour  of  his  said  master; 
insomuch  that  for  his  wit,  gravity,  and  just  behaviour,  he  com- 
mitted all  the  charge  of  his  office  unto  his  chaplain.  And,  as 
I  understand,  the  office  was  the  treasurership  of  Calais,  who 
was,  in  consideration  of  his  great  age,  discharged  of  his  charge- 
able room,  and  returned  again  into  England,  intending  to  live 
at  more  quiet.  And  through  his  instant  labour  and  especial 
favour  his  chaplain  was  promoted  to  the  king's  service,  and 
made  his  chaplain.  And  when  he  had  once  cast  anchor  in 
the  port  of  promotion,  how  he  wrought,  I  shall  somewhat 
declare. 

He,  having  then  a  just  occasion  to  be  in  present  sight  of  the 
king  daily,  by  reason  he  attended  and  said  mass  before  his  Grace 
in  his  privy  closet,  and  that  done,  he  spent  not  the  day  forth  in 
vain  idleness,  but  gave  his  attendance  upon  those  whom  he 
thought  to  bear  most  rule  in  the  council,  and  to  be  most  in 
favour  with  the  king,  the  which  at  that  time  were  Doctor 
Fox,  Bishop  of  Winchester,  then  secretary  and  lord  privy  seal, 
and  also  Sir  Thomas  Lovell,  knight,  a  very  sage  counsellor,  and 


6  %\)t  Hife  of 

witty  ;  being  master  of  the  king's  wards,  and  constable  of  the 
Tower. 

These  ancient  and  grave  counsellors  in  process  of  time,  after 
often  resort,  perceived  this  chaplain  to  have  a  very  fine  wit,  and 
what  wisdom  was  packt  in  his  head,  thought  him  a  meet  and 
apt  person  to  be  preferred  to  witty  affairs. 

It  chanced  at  a  certain  season  that  the  king  had  an  urgent 
occasion  to  send  an  ambassy  unto  the  Emperor  Maximilian, 
who  lay  at  that  present  in  the  Low  Country  of  Flanders,  not 
far  from  Calais.  The  Bishop  of  Winchester,  and  Sir  Thomas 
Lovell,  whom  the  king  most  highly  esteemed,  as  chief  among 
his  counsellors  (the  king  counselling  and  debating  with  them 
upon  this  ambassy),  saw  that  they  had  a  convenient  occasion 
to  prefer  the  king's  chaplain,  whose  excellent  wit,  eloquence, 
and  learning  they  highly  commended  to  the  king.  The  king 
giving  ear  unto  them,  and  being  a  prince  of  an  excellent  judg- 
ment and  modesty,  commanded  to  bring  his  chaplain,  whom 
they  so  much  commended,  before  his  Grace's  presence,  to  prove 
the  wit  of  his  chaplain.  At  whose  repair  the  king  fell  in 
communication  with  him  in  matters  of  weighty  gravity:  and, 
perceiving  his  wit  to  be  very  fine,  thought  him  sufficient  to  be 
put  in  authority  and  trust  with  this  ambassy,  commanded  him 
thereupon  to  prepare  himself  to  this  enterprised  journey,  and, 
for  his  depeche,  to  repair  to  his  Grace  and  his  trusty  counsellors 
aforesaid,  of  whom  he  should  receive  his  commission  and 
instructions.  By  means  whereof  he  had  then  a  due  occasion 
to  repair  from  time  to  time  into  the  king's  presence,  who 
perceived  him  more  and  more  to  be  a  very  wise  man,  and  of 
good  entendment.  And  having  his  depeche,  took  his  leave 
of  the  king  at  Richmond  about  noon,  and  so  came  to  London 
with  speed,  where  then  the  barge  of  Gravesend  was  ready  to 
launch  forth,  both  with  a  prosperous  tide  and  wind.  Without 
any  farther  abode  he  entered  the  barge,  and  so  passed  forth. 
His  happy  speed  was  such  that  he  arrived  at  Gravesend  within 


yK„,j  vji 


Cardinal  WoUt^  7 

little  more  than  three  hours  ;  where  he  tarried  no  longer  than 
his  post  horses  were  provided  ;  and  travelling  so  speedily  with 
post  horses  that  he  came  to  Dover  the  next  morning  early, 
whereas  the  passengers  were  ready  under  sail  displayed,  to  sail 
to  Calais,  Into  which  passengers  without  any  farther  abode  he 
entered,  and  sailed  forth  with  them,  that  he  arrived  at  Calais 
within  three  hours,  and  having  there  post  horses  in  a  readiness, 
departed  incontinent,  making  such  hasty  speed,  that  he  was 
that  night  with  the  emperor;  who,  having  understanding  of 
the  coming  of  the  King  of  England's  ambassador,  would  in  no 
wise  defer  the  time,  but  sent  incontinent  for  him ;  his  affection 
unto  King  Harry  the  Seventh  was  such,  that  he  rejoiced  when 
he  had  an  occasion  to  show  him  pleasure.  The  ambassador 
having  opportunity,  disclosed  the  sum  of  his  ambassy  unto  the 
emperor,  of  whom  he  desired  speedy  expedition,  the  which 
was  granted ;  so  that  the  next  day  he  was  clearly  dispatched, 
with  all  the  king's  requests  fully  accomplished.  At  which  time 
he  made  no  further  tarriance,  but  with  post  horses  rode  incon- 
tinent that  night  toward  Calais  again,  conducted  thither  with 
such  number  of  horsemen  as  the  emperor  had  appointed,  and 
at  the  opening  of  the  gates  there,  where  the  passengers  were 
as  ready  to  return  into  England  as  they  were  before  in  his 
advancing;  insomuch  that  he  arrived  at  Dover  before  ten  of 
clock  before  noon  ;  and  having  post  horses  in  a  readiness,  came 
to  the  court  at  Richmond  that  night.  Where  he  taking  his  rest 
for  that  time  until  the  morning,  repaired  to  the  king  at  his 
first  coming  out  of  his  Grace's  bedchamber,  toward  his  closet 
to  hear  mass.  Whom,  when  he  saw,  he  checked  him  for  that  J 
he  was  not  past  on  his  journey.  *  Sir,'  quoth  he,  *  if  it  may  stand 
with  your  Highness'  pleasure,  I  have  already  been  with  the 
emperor,  and  dispatched  your  affairs,  I  trust,  to  your  Grace's 
contentation.'  And  with  that  delivered  unto  the  king  the  em- 
peror's letters  of  credence.  The  king,  being  in  a  great  confuse 
and  wonder  of  his  hasty  speed  with  ready  furniture  of  all  his 


8  %f)t  Hife  of 

proceedings,  dissembled  all  his  imagination  and  wonder  in  that 
matter,  and  demanded  of  him,  whether  he  encountered  not  his 
pursuivant,  the  which  he  sent  unto  him,  supposing  him  not  to 
be  scantly  out  of  London,  with  letters  concerning  a  very  neces- 
sary cause  neglected  in  his  commission  and  instructions,  the 
which  the  king  coveted  much  to  be  sped.  '  Yes,  forsooth.  Sire,' 
quoth  he,  '  I  encountered  him  yesterday  by  the  way :  and, 
having  understanding  by  your  Grace's  letters  of  your  pleasure 
therein,  have,  notwithstanding,  been  so  bold,  upon  mine  own 
discretion,  perceiving  that  matter  to  be  very  necessary  in  that 
behalf,  to  dispatch  the  same.  And  forasmuch  as  I  have  ex- 
ceeded your  Grace's  commission,  I  most  humbly  require  your 
gracious  remission  and  pardon.'  The  king  rejoicing  inwardly 
not  a  little,  said  again, '  We  do  not  only  pardon  you  thereof, 
but  also  give  you  our  princely  thanks,  both  for  the  proceeding 
therein,  and  also  for  your  good  and  speedy  exploit,'  command- 
ing him  for  that  time  to  take  his  rest,  and  to  repair  again  after 
dinner,  for  the  farther  relation  of  his  ambassy.  The  king  then 
went  to  mass ;  and  after,  at  convenient  time,  he  went  to  dinner. 

It  is  not  to  be  doubted  but  that  this  ambassador  hath  been 
since  his  return  with  his  great  friends,  the  Bishop  of  Win- 
chester, and  Sir  Thomas  Lovell,  to  whom  he  hath  declared 
the  effect  of  all  his  speedy  progress;  nor  yet  what  joy  they  con- 
ceived thereof.  And  after  his  departure  from  the  king  in  the 
morning,  his  Highness  sent  for  the  bishop,  and  Sir  Thomas 
Lovell ;  to  whom  he  declared  the  wonderful  expedition  of  his 
ambassador,  commending  therewith  his  excellent  wit,  and  in 
especial  the  invention  and  advancing  of  the  matter  left  out  of 
his  commission  and  instructions.  The  king's  words  rejoiced 
these  worthy  counsellors  not  a  little,  forasmuch  as  he  was  of 
their  preferment. 

Then  when  this  ambassador  remembered  the  king's  com- 
mandment, and  saw  the  time  draw  fast  on  of  his  repair  before 
the  king  and  his  council,  he  prepared  him  in  a  readiness,  and 


Cartitnal  Wolsit^  9 

resorted  unto  the  place  assigned  by  the  king,  to  declare  his 
ambassy.  Without  all  doubt,  he  reported  the  effect  of  all 
his  affairs  and  proceedings  so  exactly,  with  such  gravity  and 
eloquence,  that  all  the  council  that  heard  him  could  do  no 
less  but  commend  him,  esteeming  his  expedition  to  be  almost 
beyond  the  capacity  of  man.  The  king  of  his  mere  motion 
and  gracious  consideration,  gave  him  at  that  time  for  his  dil- 
igent and  faithful  service,  the  deanery  of  Lincoln,  which  at 
that  time  was  one  of  the  worthiest  spiritual  promotions  that 
he  gave  under  the  degree  of  a  bishoprick.  And  thus  from 
thenceforward  he  grew  more  and  more  into  estimation  and  au- 
thority, and  after  was  promoted  by  the  king  to  be  his  almoner. 
Here  may  all  men  note  the  chance  of  fortune,  that  followeth 
some  whom  she  listeth  to  promote,  and  even  so  to  some  her 
favour  is  contrary,  though  they  should  travail  never  so  much, 
with  urgent  diligence  and  painful  study,  that  they  could  devise 
or  imagine ;  whereof,  for  my  part,  I  have  tasted  of  the  experi- 
ence. 

Now  ye  shall  understand  that  all  this  tale  that  I  have 
declared  of  his  good  expedition  in  the  king's  ambassy,  I  re- 
ceived it  of  his  own  mouth  and  report,  after  his  fall,  lying  at 
that  time  in  the  great  park  of  Richmond,  I  being  then  there 
attending  upon  him;  taking  an  occasion  upon  divers  commun- 
ications, to  tell  me  this  journey,  with  all  the  circumstances, 
as  I  have  here  before  rehearsed. 

When  death,  that  favoureth  none  estate,  king  or  kaiser, 
had  taken  that  prudent  prince  King  Harry  the  Seventh  out 
of  this  present  life,  on  whose  soul  Jesu  have  mercy !  who  for 
his  inestimable  wisdom  was  noted  and  called,  in  every  Chris- 
tian region,  the  second  Solomon,  what  practices,  inventions, 
and  compasses  were  then  used  about  that  young  prince.  King 
Harry  the  Eighth,  his  only  son,  and  the  great  provision  made 
for  the  funerals  of  the  one,  and  the  costly  devices  for  the  cor- 
onation of  the  other,  with  that  virtuous  Queen  Catherine,  then 


lO 


Cjje  iLife  of 


the  king's  wife  newly  married.  I  omit  and  leave  the  circum- 
stances thereof  to  historiographers  of  chronicles  of  princes, 
the  which  is  no  part  mine  entendment. 

After  all  these  solemnities  and  costly  triumphs  finished, 
and  that  our  natural,  young,  lusty,  and  courageous  prince  and 
sovereign  lord.  King  Harry  the  Eighth,  entering  into  the 
flower  of  pleasant  youth,  had  taken  upon  him  the  regal  sceptre 
and  the  imperial  diadem  of  this  fertile  and  plentiful  realm 
of  England,  which  at  that  time  flourished  in  all  abundance  of 
wealth  and  riches,  whereof  he  was  inestimably  garnished  and 
furnished,  called  then  the  golden  world,  such  grace  of  plenty 
reigned  then  within  this  realm.  Now  let  us  return  again  unto 
the  almoner,  of  whom  I  have  taken  upon  me  to  write,  whose 
head  was  full  of  subtle  wit  and  policy.  Perceiving  a  plain 
path  to  walk  in  towards  promotion,  he  handled  himself  so 
politicly,  that  he  found  the  means  to  be  one  of  the  king's 
council,  and  to  grow  in  good  estimation  and  favour  with  the 
king,  to  whom  the  king  gave  a  house  at  Bridewell,  in  Fleet 
Street,  sometime  Sir  Richard  Empson's,  where  he  kept  house 
for  his  family,  and  he  daily  attended  upon  the  king  in  the 
court,  being  in  his  especial  grace  and  favour,  having  then 
great  suit  made  unto  him,  as  counsellors  most  commonly  have 
that  be  in  favour.  His  sentences  and  witty  persuasions  in 
the  council  chamber  were  always  so  pithy  that  they  always, 
as  occasion  moved  them,  assigned  him,  for  his  filed  tongue 
and  ornate  eloquence,  to  be  their  expositor  unto  the  king's 
majesty  in  all  their  proceedings.  In  whom  the  king  conceived 
such  a  loving  fantasy,  especially  for  that  he  was  most  earnest 
and  readiest  among  all  the  council  to  advance  the  king's  only 
will  and  pleasure,  without  any  respect  to  the  case.  The  king, 
therefore,  perceived  him  to  be  a  meet  instrument  for  the 
accomplishment  of  his  devised  will  and  pleasure,  called  him 
I  more  near  unto  him,  and  esteemed  him  so  highly  that  his 
I    estimation  and  favour  put  all  other  ancient  counsellors  out  of 


Cartiinal  Wolsit^ 


1 1 


their  accustomed  favour,  that  they  were  in  before;  insomuch 
as  the  king  committed  all  his  will  and  pleasure  unto  his 
disposition  and  order.  Who  wrought  so  all  his  matters,  that 
all  his  endeavour  was  only  to  satisfy  the  king's  mind,  know- 
ing right  well,  that  it  was  the  very  vein  and  right  course  to 
bring  him  to  high  promotion.  The  king  was  young  and  lusty, 
disposed  all  to  mirth  and  pleasure,  and  to  follow  his  desire 
and  appetite,  nothing  minding  to  travail  in  the  busy  affairs  of 
this  realm.  The  which  the  almoner  perceived  very  well,  and 
took  upon  him  therefore  to  disburden  the  king  of  so  weighty 
a  charge  and  troublesome  business,  putting  the  king  in  com- 
fort that  he  shall  not  need  to  spare  any  time  of  his  pleasure 
for  any  business  that  should  necessarily  happen  in  the  coun- 
cil, as  long  as  he,  being  there  and  having  the  king's  authority 
and  commandment,  doubted  not  to  see  all  things  sufficiently 
furnished  and  perfected ;  the  which  would  first  make  the  king 
privy  of  all  such  matters  as  should  pass  through  their  hands 
before  he  would  proceed  to  the  finishing  or  determining  of 
the  same,  whose  mind  and  pleasure  he  would  fulfil  and  follow 
to  the  uttermost,  wherewith  the  king  was  wonderly  pleased. 
And  whereas  the  other  ancient  counsellors  would,  according  to 
the  office  of  good  counsellors,  divers  times  persuade  the  king 
to  have  sometime  an  intercourse  in  to  the  council,  there  to 
hear  what  was  done  in  weighty  matters,  the  which  pleased  the 
king  nothing  at  all,  for  he  loved  nothing  worse  than  to  be  con- 
strained to  do  any  thing  contrary  to  his  royal  will  and  pleasure; 
and  that  knew  the  almoner  very  well,  having  a  secret  intelli- 
gence of  the  king's  natural  inclination,  and  so  fast  as  the  other 
counsellors  advised  the  king  to  leave  his  pleasure,  and  to  attend 
to  the  affairs  of  his  realm,  so  busily  did  the  almoner  persuade 
him  to  the  contrary ;  which  delighted  him  much,  and  caused 
him  to  have  the  greater  affection  and  love  to  the  almoner. 
Thus  the  almoner  ruled  all  them  that  before  ruled  him ;  such 
did  his  policy  and  wit  bring  to  pass.  Who  was  now  in  high 


12  'C{)eiltfcof 

favour,  but  Master  Almoner?  Who  had  all  the  suit,  but  Mas- 
ter Almoner  ?  And  who  ruled  all  under  the  king,  but  Master 
Almoner  ?  Thus  he  proceeded  still  in  favour;  at  last,  in  came 
presents,  gifts,  and  rewards  so  plentifully,  that  I  dare  say  he 
lacked  nothing  that  might  either  please  his  fantasy  or  enrich 
his  coffers ;  fortune  smiled  so  upon  him ;  but  to  what  end  she 
brought  him,  ye  shall  hear  after.  Therefore  let  all  men,  to 
whom  fortune  extendeth  her  grace,  not  trust  too  much  to  her 
fickle  favour  and  pleasant  promises,  under  colour  whereof  she 
carrieth  venomous  gall.  For  when  she  seeth  her  servant  in 
most  highest  authority,  and  that  he  assureth  himself  most 
assuredly  in  her  favour,  then  turneth  she  her  visage  and  pleas- 
ant countenance  unto  a  frowning  cheer,  and  utterly  forsaketh 
him:  such  assurance  is  in  her  inconstant  favour  and  sugared 
promise.  Whose  deceitful  behaviour  hath  not  been  hid  among 
the  wise  sort  of  famous  clerks,  that  hath  exclaimed  her  and 
written  vehemently  against  her  dissimulation  and  feigned 
favour,  warning  all  men  thereby,  the  less  to  regard  her,  and 
to  have  her  in  small  estimation  of  any  trust  or  faithfulness. 

This  almoner,  climbing  thus  hastily  up  fortune's  wheel,  that 
no  man  was  of  that  estimation  with  the  king  as  he  was,  for  his 
wisdom  and  other  witty  qualities.  He  had  a  special  gift  of 
natural  eloquence,  with  a  filed  tongue  to  pronounce  the  same, 
that  he  was  able  with  the  same  to  persuade  and  allure  all  men 
to  his  purpose.  Proceeding  thus  in  fortune's  blissfulness,  it 
chanced  that  the  wars  between  the  realms  of  England  and 
France  to  be  open,  but  upon  what  occasion  I  know  not,  in  so 
much  as  the  king,  being  fully  persuaded  and  resolved  in  his 
most  royal  person  to  invade  his  foreign  enemies  with  a  puissant 
army,  to  delay  their  hault  brags  within  their  own  territory : 
wherefor  it  was  thought  very  necessary,  that  this  royal  enter- 
prise should  be  speedily  provided  and  plentifully  furnished  in 
every  degree,  of  things  apt  and  convenient  for  the  same ;  the 
expedition  whereof,  the   king's  highness  thought  no  man's 


Cartiinal  Wolst^  1 3 

wit  so  meet,  for  policy  and  painful  travail,  as  his  well-beloved 
almoner's  was,  to  whom  therefore  he  committed  his  whole 
affiance  and  trust  therein.  And  he  being  nothing  scrupulous 
in  any  thing  that  the  king  would  command  him  to  do,  and 
although  it  seemed  to  other  very  difficile,  yet  took  he  upon 
him  the  whole  charge  and  burden  of  all  this  business,  and  pro- 
ceeded so  therein,  that  he  brought  all  things  to  a  good  pass  and 
purpose  in  a  right  decent  order,  as  of  all  manner  of  victuals, 
provisions,  and  other  necessaries,  convenient  for  so  noble 
a  voyage  and  puissant  army. 

All  things  being  by  him  perfected,  and  furnished,  the  king, 
not  minding  to  delay  or  neglect  the  time  appointed,  but  with 
noble  and  valiant  courage  advanced  to  his  royal  enterprise, 
passed  the  seas  between  Dover  and  Calais,  where  he  prosper- 
ously arrived;  and  after  some  abode  there  of  his  Grace,  as  well 
for  the  arrival  of  his  puissant  army  royal,  provisions  and  muni- 
tions, as  to  consult  about  his  princely  affairs,  marched  forward, 
in  good  order  of  battle,  through  the  Low  Country,  until  he 
came  to  the  strong  town  of  Terouanne.  To  the  which  he  laid 
his  assault,  and  assailed  it  so  fiercely  with  continual  assaults, 
that  within  short  space  he  caused  them  within  to  yield  the 
town.  Unto  which  place  the  Emperor  Maximilian  repaired 
unto  the  king  our  sovereign  Lord,  with  a  puissant  army,  like 
a  mighty  and  friendly  prince,  taking  of  the  king  his  Grace's 
wages,  as  well  for  his  own  person  as  for  his  retinue,  the  which 
is  a  rare  thing,  seldom  seen,  heard,  or  read,  that  an  emperor  to 
take  wages,  and  to  fight  under  a  king's  banner.  Thus  after  the 
king  had  obtained  the  possession  of  this  puissant  fort,  and  set 
all  things  in  due  order,  for  the  defence  and  preservation  of  the 
same  to  his  highness'  use,  he  departed  from  thence,  and  marched 
toward  the  city  of  Tournay,  and  there  again  laid  his  siege  ;  to 
the  which  he  gave  so  fierce  and  sharp  assaults,  that  they  within 
were  constrained  of  fine  force  to  yield  up  the  town  unto  his 
victorious  majesty.    At  which  time  he  gave  the  almoner  the 


14  %i)t  ilife  of 

bishoprick  of  the  same  See,  for  some  part  of  recompense  of 
his  pains  sustained  in  that  journey.    And  when  the  king  had 
estabhshed  all  things  there  agreeable  to  his  princely  pleasure, 
and  furnished  the  same  with  noble  valiant  captains  and  men 
of  war  for  the  safeguard  of  the  town  against  his  enemies,  he 
returned  again  into  England,  taking  with  him  divers  worthy 
persons  of  the  peers  of  France,  as  the  Duke  of  Longueville, 
the  Countie  Clermont,  and  divers  other  taken  there  in  a  skir- 
mish most  victoriously.    After  whose  return,  immediately  the 
See  of  Lincoln  fell  void  by  the  death  of  Dr.  Smith,  late  bishop 
of  that  dignity,  the  which  benefice  and  promotion  his  Grace 
gave  unto  his  almoner.  Bishop-elect  of  Tournay,  who  was  not 
negligent  to  take  possession  thereof,  and  made  all  the  speed  he 
could  for  his  consecration:  the  solemnization  whereof  ended, 
he  found  the  means  to  get  the  possession  of  all  his  prede- 
cessor's goods  into  his  hands,  whereof  I  have  seen  divers  times 
some  part  thereof  furnish  his  house.   It  was  not  long  after  that 
Doctor  Bainbridge,  Archbishop  of  York,  died  at  Rome,  being 
there  the  king's  ambassador  under  Pope  Julius;  unto  which 
benefice  the  king  presented  his  new  Bishop  of  Lincoln ;  so  that 
he  had  three  bishopricks  in  one  year  given  him.    Then  pre- 
pared he  again  of  new  as  fast  for  his  translation  from  the  See 
of  Lincoln,  unto  the  See  of  York.  After  which  solemnization 
done,  and  he  being  in  possession  of  the  Archbishoprick  of 
York,  and  Primas  Angliae,  thought  himself  sufficient  to  com- 
pare with  Canterbury;  and  thereupon  erected  his  cross  in  the 
court,  and  in  every  other  place,  as  well  in  the  presence  of  the 
Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  and  in  the  precinct  of  his  juris- 
diction as  elsewhere.  And  forasmuch  as  Canterbury  claimeth 
superiority  and  obedience  of  York,  as  he  doth  of  all  other  bish- 
ops within  this  realm,  forasmuch  as  he  is  primas  totius  Angliae, 
and  therefore  claimeth,  as  a  token  of  an  ancient  obedience,  of 
York  to  abate  the  advancing  of  his  cross  in  the  presence  of  the 
cross  of  Canterbury;  notwithstanding,  York,  nothing  minding 


'■/.iraiuiiiAidiB  C 


Cattiinal  3^ol0e^  15 

to  desist  from  bearing  of  his  cross  in  manner  as  is  said  before, 
caused  his  cross  to  be  advanced  and  borne  before  him,  as  well 
in  the  presence  of  Canterbury  as  elsewhere.  Wherefore 
Canterbury  being  moved  therewith,  gave  York  a  certain  check 
for  his  presumption ;  by  reason  whereof  there  engendered  some 
grudge  between  Canterbury  and  York.  And  York  perceiving 
the  obedience  that  Canterbury  claimed  to  have  of  York,  in- 
tended to  provide  some  such  means  that  he  would  rather  be 
superior  in  dignity  to  Canterbury  than  to  be  either  obedient 
or  equal  to  him.  Wherefore  he  obtained  first  to  be  made  Priest 
Cardinal,  and  Legatus  de  latere ;  unto  whom  the  Pope  sent 
a  Cardinal's  hat,  with  certain  bulls  for  his  authority  in  that 
behalf.  Yet  by  the  way  of  communication  ye  shall  understand 
that  the  Pope  sent  him  this  hat  as  a  worthy  jewel  of  his  hon- 
our, dignity,  and  authority,  the  which  was  conveyed  hither  in 
a  varlet's  budget,  who  seemed  to  all  men  to  be  but  a  person  of 
small  estimation.  Whereof  York  being  advertised,  of  the  base- 
ness of  the  messenger,  and  of  the  people's  opinion  and  rumour, 
thought  it  for  his  honour  meet,  that  so  high  a  jewel  should  not 
be  conveyed  by  so  simple  a  messenger;  wherefore  he  caused 
him  to  be  stayed  by  the  way,  immediately  after  his  arrival 
in  England,  where  he  was  newly  furnished  in  all  manner  of 
apparel,  with  all  kind  of  costly  silks,  which  seemed  decent  for 
such  an  high  ambassador.  And  that  done,  he  was  encountered 
upon  Blackheath,  and  there  received  with  a  great  assembly  of 
prelates,  and  lusty  gallant  gentlemen,  and  from  thence  con- 
ducted and  conveyed  through  London,  with  great  triumph. 
Then  was  great  and  speedy  provision  and  preparation  made  in 
Westminster  Abbey  for  the  confirmation  of  his  high  dignity; 
the  which  was  executed  by  all  the  bishops  and  abbots  nigh 
or  about  London,  in  rich  mitres  and  copes,  and  other  costly 
ornaments ;  which  was  done  in  so  solemn  a  wise  as  I  have  not 
seen  the  like  unless  it  had  been  at  the  coronation  of  a  mighty 
prince  or  king. 


1 6  %f)t  iltfe  of 

Obtaining  this  dignity,  he  thought  himself  meet  to  encounter 
with  Canterbury  in  his  high  jurisdiction  before  expressed ; 
and  that  also  he  was  as  meet  to  bear  authority  among  the  tem- 
poral powers,  as  among  the  spiritual  jurisdictions.  Wherefore, 
remembering  as  well  the  taunts  and  checks  before  sustained 
of  Canterbury,  which  he  intended  to  redress,  having  a  respect 
to  the  advancement  of  worldly  honour,  promotion,  and  great 
benefits,  found  the  means  with  the  king,  that  he  was  made 
Chancellor  of  England ;  and  Canterbury  thereof  dismissed,  who 
had  continued  in  that  honourable  room  and  office,  since  long 
before  the  death  of  King  Harry  the  Seventh. 

Now  he  being  in  possession  of  the  chancellorship,  endowed 
with  the  promotion  of  an  Archbishop,  and  Cardinal  Legate 
also,  ^(?  latere^  thought  himself  fully  furnished  with  such  au- 
thorities and  dignities,  that  he  was  able  to  surmount  Canter- 
bury in  all  ecclesiastical  jurisdictions,  having  power  to  con- 
vocate  Canterbury,  and  other  bishops,  within  his  precincts,  to 
assemble  at  his  convocation,  in  any  place  within  this  realm 
where  he  would  assign;  taking  upon  him  the  correction  of  all 
matters  in  every  diocese,  having  there  through  all  the  realm 
all  manner  of  spiritual  ministers,  as  commissaries,  scribes, 
apparitors,  and  all  other  officers  to  furnish  his  courts ;  visited 
also  all  spiritual  houses,  and  presented  by  prevention  whom  he 
listed  to  their  benefices.  And  to  the  advancing  of  his  Legatine 
honour  and  jurisdiction,  he  had  masters  of  his  faculties,  masters 
Ceremoniarum,  and  such  other  like  officers  to  the  glorifying 
of  his  dignity.  Then  had  he  two  great  crosses  of  silver,  whereof 
one  of  them  was  for  his  Archbishoprick,  and  the  other  for  his 
Legacy,  borne  always  before  him  whithersoever  he  went  or 
rode,  by  two  of  the  most  tallest  and  comeliest  priests  that  he 
could  get  within  all  this  realm.  And  to  the  increase  of  his 
gains  he  had  also  the  bishoprick  of  Durham,  and  the  Abbey 
of  St.  Albans  in  comtnendam;  howbeit  after,  when  Bishop  Fox, 
of  Winchester,  died,  he  surrendered  Durham  into  the  king's 


Cartiinal  Wol&t^  1 7 

hands,  and  in  lieu  thereof  took  the  Bishoprick  of  Winchester. 
Then  he  held  also,  as  it  were  in  farm,  both  Bath,  Worcester, 
and  Hereford,  because  the  incumbents  thereof  were  strangers, 
born  out  of  this  realm,  continuing  always  beyond  the  seas,  in 
their  own  native  countries,  or  else  at  Rome,  from  whence  they 
were  sent  by  the  Pope  in  legation  into  England  to  the  king. 
And  for  their  reward,  at  their  departure,  the  prudent  King 
Harry  the  Seventh  thought  it  better  to  reward  them  with  that 
thing  he  himself  could  not  keep,  than  to  defray  or  disburse 
any  thing  of  his  treasure.  And  then  they  being  but  strangers, 
thought  it  more  meet  for  their  assurance,  and  to  have  their  ju- 
risdictions conserved  and  justly  used,  to  permit  the  cardinal  to 
have  their  benefices  for  a  convenient  yearly  sum  of  money  to  be 
paid  them  by  exchanges  in  their  countries,  than  to  be  troubled 
or  burdened  with  the  conveyance  thereof  unto  them :  so  that 
all  their  spiritual  promotions  and  jurisdictions  of  their  bishop- 
ricks  were  clearly  in  his  domain  and  disposition,  to  prefer  or 
promote  whom  he  listed  unto  them.  He  had  also  a  great  num- 
ber daily  attending  upon  him,  both  of  noblemen  and  worthy 
gentlemen,  of  great  estimation  and  possessions,  with  no  small 
number  of  the  tallest  yeomen  that  he  could  get  in  all  this 
realm,  insomuch  that  well  was  that  nobleman  and  gentleman, 
that  might  prefer  any  tall  and  comely  yeoman  unto  his  service. 
Now  to  speak  of  the  order  of  his  house  and  officers;  I  think 
it  necessary  here  to  be  remembered.  First  ye  shall  understand, 
that  he  had  in  his  hall  daily,  three  especial  tables  furnished 
with  three  principal  officers;  that  is  to  say,  a  Steward,  which 
was  always  a  doctor  or  a  priest;  a  Treasurer, a  knight;  a  Comp- 
troller, an  esquire;  which  bare  always  within  his  house  their 
white  staves.  Then  had  he  a  cofferer,  three  marshals,  two 
yeomen  ushers,  two  grooms,  and  an  almoner.  He  had  in  the 
hall-kitchen  two  clerks  of  his  kitchen,  a  clerk  comptroller, 
a  surveyor  of  the  dresser,  a  clerk  of  his  spicery.  Also  there  in 
his  hall-kitchen  he  had  two  master  cooks,  and  twelve  of  other 


1 8  %\)t  ilife  of 

labourers,  and  children  as  they  called  them;  a  yeoman  of  his 
scullery,  and  two  other  in  his  silver  scullery ;  two  yeomen 
of  his  pastry,  and  two  grooms. 

Now  in  his  privy  kitchen  he  had  a  Master  Cook  who  went 
daily  in  damask  satin,  or  velvet,  with  a  chain  of  gold  about 
his  neck ;  and  two  grooms,  with  six  labourers  and  children 
to  serve  in  that  place ;  in  the  Larder  there,  a  yeoman  and 
a  groom  ;  in  the  Scalding-house,  a  yeoman  and  two  grooms  ; 
in  the  Scullery  there,  two  persons ;  in  the  Buttery,  two  yeo- 
men and  two  grooms,  with  two  other  pages;  in  the  Pantry, 
two  yeomen,  two  grooms,  and  two  pages  ;  and  in  the  Ewery 
likewise  :  in  the  Cellar,  three  yeomen,  two  grooms,  and  two 
pages ;  besides  a  gentleman  for  the  month :  in  the  Chaun- 
dery,  three  persons  :  in  the  Wafery,  two ;  in  his  Wardrobe 
of  beds,  the  master  and  ten  other  persons ;  in  the  Laundry, 
a  yeoman,  a  groom,  and  three  pages  :  of  purveyors,  two,  and 
one  groom ;  in  the  Bakehouse,  a  yeoman  and  two  grooms ; 
in  the  Wood-yard,  a  yeoman  and  a  groom  ;  in  the  Garner, 
one ;  in  the  Garden,  a  yeoman  and  two  labourers.  Now  at 
the  gate,  he  had  of  porters,  two  tall  yeomen  and  two  grooms ; 
a  yeoman  of  his  barge  :  in  the  stable,  he  had  a  master  of  his 
horses,  a  clerk  of  the  stable,  a  yeoman  of  the  same ;  a  Sad- 
dler, a  Farrier,  a  yeoman  of  his  Chariot,  a  Sumpterman,  a 
yeoman  of  his  stirrup  ;  a  Muleteer ;  sixteen  grooms  of  his 
stable,  every  of  them  keeping  four  great  geldings :  in  the 
Almeserie,  a  yeoman  and  a  groom. 

Now  will  I  declare  to  you  the  officers  of  his  chapel,  and 
singing  men  of  the  same.  First,  he  had  there  a  Dean,  who 
was  always  a  great  clerk  and  a  divine ;  a  Sub-dean ;  a  Re- 
peater of  the  quire ;  a  Gospeller,  a  Pisteller ;  and  twelve 
singing  Priests  :  of  seculars,  he  had  first,  a  Master  of  his 
children ;  twelve  singing  children ;  sixteen  singing  men ;  with 
a  servant  to  attend  upon  the  said  children.  In  the  revestry, 
a  yeoman  and  two  grooms :   then  were  there  divers  retainers 


Cardinal  Wol^t^  19 

of  cunning  singing  men,  that  came  at  divers  sundry  principal 
feasts.  But  to  speak  of  the  furniture  of  his  chapel  passeth 
my  capacity  to  declare  the  number  of  the  costly  ornaments 
and  rich  jewels,  that  were  occupied  in  the  same  continually. 
For  I  have  seen  there,  in  a  procession,  worn  forty-four  copes 
of  one  suit,  very  rich,  besides  the  sumptuous  crosses,  candle- 
sticks, and  other  necessary  ornaments  to  the  comely  furniture 
of  the  same.  Now  shall  ye  understand  that  he  had  two 
cross-bearers,  and  two  pillar-bearers  :  and  in  his  chamber,  all 
these  persons ;  that  is  to  say :  his  High  Chamberlain,  his 
Vice  Chamberlain  ;  twelve  Gentlemen  Ushers,  daily  waiters  ; 
besides  two  in  his  privy  chamber  ;  and  of  Gentlemen  waiters 
in  his  privy  chamber  he  had  six ;  and  also  he  had  of  Lords 
nine  or  ten,  who  had  each  of  them  allowed  two  servants ; 
and  the  Earl  of  Derby  had  allowed  five  men.  Then  had  he 
of  Gentlemen,  as  cup-bearers,  carvers,  sewers,  and  Gentlemen 
daily  waiters,  forty  persons  ;  of  yeomen  ushers  he  had  six  ;  of 
grooms  in  his  chamber  he  had  eight;  of  yeomen  of  his  cham- 
ber he  had  forty-six  daily  to  attend  upon  his  person  ;  he  had 
also  a  priest  there  which  was  his  Almoner,  to  attend  upon 
his  table  at  dinner.  Of  doctors  and  chaplains  attending  in  his 
closet  to  say  daily  mass  before  him,  he  had  sixteen  persons: 
and  a  clerk  of  his  closet.  Also  he  had  two  secretaries,  and  two 
clerks  of  his  signet ;  and  four  counsellors  learned  in  the  laws 
of  this  realm. 

And  forasmuch  as  he  was  Chancellor  of  England,  it  was 
necessary  for  him  to  have  divers  officers  of  the  Chancery  to 
attend  daily  upon  him,  for  the  better  furniture  of  the  same. 
That  is  to  say  :  first,  he  had  a  Clerk  of  the  Crown,  a  Riding 
Clerk,  a  Clerk  of  the  Hanaper,  a  Chafer  of  Wax.  Then  had 
he  a  Clerk  of  the  Check,  as  well  to  check  his  Chaplains,  as 
his  Yeomen  of  the  Chamber ;  he  had  also  four  Footmen, 
which  were  apparelled  in  rich  running  coats,  whensoever 
he  rode  any  journey.    Then  had  he  an  Herald  at  Arms,  and 


20  Cj)e  ilife  of 

a  Sergeant  at  Arms  ;  a  Physician ;  an  Apothecary  ;  four  Min- 
strels ;  a  Keeper  of  his  Tents,  an  Armourer ;  an  Instructor 
of  his  Wards ;  two  Yeomen  in  his  Wardrobe  ;  and  a  Keeper 
of  his  Chamber  in  the  court.  He  had  also  daily  in  his  house 
the  Surveyor  of  York,  a  Clerk  of  the  Green  Cloth ;  and  an 
Auditor.  All  this  number  of  persons  were  daily  attendant 
upon  him  in  his  house,  down-lying  and  up-rising.  And  at 
meals,  there  was  continually  in  his  chamber  a  board  kept  for 
his  Chamberlains,  and  Gentlemen  Ushers,  having  with  them 
a  mess  of  the  young  Lords,  and  another  for  Gentlemen. 
Besides  all  these,  there  was  never  an  officer  and  gentleman, 
or  any  other  worthy  person  in  his  house,  but  he  was  allowed 
some  three,  some  two  servants ;  and  all  other  one  at  the  least ; 
which  amounted  to  a  great  number  of  persons.  Now  have 
I  showed  you  the  order  of  his  house,  and  what  officers  and 
servants  he  had,  according  to  his  checker  roll,  attending  daily 
upon  him ;  besides  his  retainers,  and  other  persons  being 
suitors,  that  most  commonly  were  fed  in  his  hall.  And  when- 
soever we  shall  see  any  more  such  subjects  within  this  realm, 
that  shall  maintain  any  such  estate  and  household,  I  am 
content  he  be  advanced  above  him  in  honour  and  estimation. 
Therefore  here  I  make  an  end  of  his  household  ;  whereof  the 
number  was  about  the  sum  of  five  hundred  persons  according 
to  his  checker  roll. 

You  have  heard  of  the  order  and  officers  of  his  house  ;  now 
I  do  intend  to  proceed  forth  unto  other  of  his  proceedings ; 
for,  after  he  was  thus  furnished,  in  manner  as  I  have  before 
rehearsed  unto  you,  he  was  twice  sent  in  ambassy  unto  the 
Emperor  Charles  the  Fifth,  that  now  reigneth ;  and  father 
unto  King  Philip,  now  our  sovereign  lord.  Forasmuch  as 
the  old  Emperor  Maximilian  was  dead,  and  for  divers  urgent 
causes  touching  the  king's  majesty,  it  was  thought  good  that 
in  so  weighty  a  matter,  and  to  so  noble  a  prince,  that  the 
cardinal  was  most  meet  to  be  sent  on  so  worthy  an  ambassy. 


Cartitnal  Wol&t^ 


21 


Wherefore,  he  being  ready  to  take  upon  him  the  charge 
thereof,  was  furnished  in  all  degrees  and  purposes  most  likest 
a  great  prince,  which  was  much  to  the  high  honour  of  the 
king's  majesty,  and  of  this  realm.  For  first  in  his  proceeding 
he  was  furnished  like  a  cardinal  of  high  estimation,  having 
all  things  thereto  correspondent  and  agreeable.  His  gentle- 
men, being  in  number  very  many,  clothed  in  livery  coats  of 
crimson  velvet  of  the  most  purest  colour  that  might  be 
invented,  with  chains  of  gold  about  their  necks ;  and  all  his 
yeomen  and  other  mean  officers  were  in  coats  of  fine  scarlet, 
guarded  with  black  velvet  a  hand  broad.  He  being  thus  fur- 
nished in  this  manner,  was  twice  sent  unto  the  emperor  into 
Flanders,  the  emperor  lying  then  in  Bruges  ;  who  entertained 
our  ambassador  very  highly,  discharging  him  and  all  his  train 
of  their  charges ;  for  there  was  no  house  within  all  Bruges, 
wherein  any  gentlemen  of  the  Lord  Ambassador's  lay,  or 
had  recourse,  but  that  the  owners  of  the  houses  were  com- 
manded by  the  emperor's  officers,  that  they,  upon  pain  of  their 
lives,  should  take  no  money  for  any  thing  that  the  cardinal's 
servants  should  take  or  dispend  in  victuals ;  ne  although  they 
were  disposed  to  make  any  costly  banquets  :  furthermore  com- 
manding their  said  hosts,  to  see  that  they  lacked  no  such  thing 
as  they  desired  or  required  to  have  for  their  pleasures.  Also 
the  emperor's  officers  every  night  went  through  the  town,  from 
house  to  house,  where  as  any  English  men  lay  or  resorted,  and 
there  served  liveries  for  all  night ;  which  was  done  after  this 
manner :  first,  the  emperor's  officers  brought  in  to  the  house 
a  cast  of  fine  manchet  bread,  two  great  silver  pots,  with  wine, 
and  a  pound  of  fine  sugar  ;  white  lights  and  yellow  ;  a  bowl 
or  goblet  of  silver,  to  drink  in  ;  and  every  night  a  staffs  torch. 
This  was  the  order  of  their  liveries  every  night.  And  then  in 
the  morning,  when  the  officers  came  to  fetch  away  their 
stuff,  then  would  they  accompt  with  the  host  for  the  gentle- 
men's costs  spent  in  that  night  and  day  before.     Thus  the 


2  2  Cfjeilifeof 

emperor  entertained  the  cardinal  and  all  his  train,  for  the 
time  of  his  ambassy  there.  And  that  done,  he  returned 
home  again  into  England,  with  great  triumph,  being  no  less 
in  estimation  with  the  king  than  he  was  before,  but  rather 
much  more. 

Now  will  I  declare  unto  you  his  order  in  going  to  West- 
minster Hall  daily  in  the  term  season.  First,  before  his  coming 
out  of  his  privy  chamber,  he  heard  most  commonly  every  day 
two  masses  in  his  privy  closet ;  and  there  then  said  his  daily 
service  with  his  chaplain :  and  as  I  heard  his  chaplain  say,  being 
a  man  of  credence  and  of  excellent  learning,  that  the  cardinal, 
what  business  or  weighty  matters  soever  he  had  in  the  day,  he 
never  went  to  his  bed  with  any  part  of  his  divine  service  un- 
said, yea  not  so  much  as  one  collect ;  wherein  I  doubt  not  but 
he  deceived  the  opinion  of  divers  persons.  And  after  mass  he 
would  return  in  his  privy  chamber  again,  and  being  advertised 
of  the  furniture  of  his  chambers  without,  with  noblemen  and 
gentlemen,  and  other  persons,  would  issue  out  into  them,  ap- 
parelled all  in  red,  in  the  habit  of  a  cardinal ;  which  was  either 
of  fine  scarlet,  or  else  of  crimson  satin,  taffety,  damask,  or  caffa, 
the  best  that  he  could  get  for  money:  and  upon  his  head  a 
round  pillion,  with  a  nekke  of  black  velvet  set  to  the  same  in 
the  inner  side;  he  had  also  a  tippet  of  fine  sables  about  his  neck; 
holding  in  his  hand  a  very  fair  orange,  whereof  the  meat  or 
substance  within  was  taken  out,  and  filled  up  again  with  the 
part  of  a  sponge,  wherein  was  vinegar,  and  other  confections 
against  the  pestilent  airs;  to  the  which  he  most  commonly 
smelt  unto,  passing  among  the  press,  or  else  when  he  was 
pestered  with  many  suitors.  There  was  also  borne  before  him 
first,  the  great  seal  of  England,  and  then  his  cardinal's  hat,  by 
a  nobleman  or  some  worthy  gentleman,  right  solemnly,  bare- 
headed. And  as  soon  as  he  was  entered  into  his  chamber  of 
presence,  where  was  attending  his  coming  to  await  upon  him 
to  Westminster  Hall,  as  well  noblemen  and  other  worthy  gen- 


Cartitnal  Wolst^  23 

tlemen,  as  noblemen  and  gentlemen  of  his  own  family  ;  thus 
passing  forth  with  two  great  crosses  of  silver  borne  before 
him;  with  also  two  great  pillars  of  silver,  and  his  pursuivant 
at  arms  with  a  great  mace  of  silver  gilt.  Then  his  gentlemen 
ushers  cried,  and  said :  *  On,  my  lords  and  masters  ;  make  way 
for  my  Lord's  Grace  ! '  Thus  passed  he  down  from  his  cham- 
bers through  the  hall ;  and  when  he  came  to  the  hall  door, 
there  was  attendant  for  him,  his  mule,  trapped  all  together  in 
crimson  velvet,  and  gilt  stirrups.  When  he  was  mounted,  with 
his  cross-bearers,  and  pillar-bearers,  also  upon  great  horses 
trapped  with  red  scarlet,  then  marched  he  forward,  with  his 
train  and  furniture  in  manner  as  I  have  declared,  having 
about  him  four  footmen,  with  gilt  pollaxes  in  their  hands ; 
and  thus  he  went  until  he  came  to  Westminster  Hall  door. 
And  there  lighted,  and  went  after  this  manner,  up  through 
the  hall  into  the  chancery ;  howbeit  he  would  most  commonly 
stay  a  while  at  a  bar,  made  for  him,  a  little  beneath  the  chan- 
cery on  the  right  hand,  and  there  commune  some  time  with 
the  judges,  and  some  time  with  other  persons.  And  that 
done,  he  would  repair  into  the  chancery,  sitting  there  till 
eleven  of  the  clock,  hearing  suitors,  and  determining  of  divers 
matters.  And  from  thence,  he  would  divers  times  go  into 
the  Star  Chamber,  as  occasion  did  serve ;  where  he  spared 
neither  high  nor  low,  but  judged  every  estate  according  to 
their  merits  and  deserts. 

He  used  every  Sunday  to  repair  to  the  court,  being  then  for 
the  most  part  at  Greenwich,  in  the  term,  with  all  his  former 
order,  taking  his  barge  at  his  privy  stairs,  furnished  with  tall 
yeomen  standing  upon  the  bayles,  and  all  gentlemen  being 
within  with  him;  and  landed  again  at  the  Crane  in  the  Vintry. 
And  from  thence  he  rode  upon  his  mule,  with  his  crosses,  his 
pillars,  his  hat,  and  the  great  seal,  through  Thames  Street, 
until  he  came  to  Billingsgate,  or  thereabout ;  and  there  took 
his  barge  again,  and  rowed  to  Greenwich,  where  he  was  nobly 


24  Cf)e  ilife  of 

received  of  the  lords  and  chief  officers  of  the  king's  house,  as 
the  treasurer  and  comptroller,  with  others ;  and  so  conveyed 
unto  the  king's  chamber :  his  crosses  commonly  standing  for 
the  time  of  his  abode  in  the  court,  on  the  one  side  of  the  king's 
cloth  of  estate.  He  being  thus  in  the  court,  it  was  wonderly 
furnished  with  noblemen  and  gentlemen,  much  otherwise  than 
it  was  before  his  coming.  And  after  dinner  among  the  lords, 
having  some  consultation  with  the  king,  or  with  the  council, 
he  would  depart  homeward  with  like  state  :  and  this  order  he 
used  continually,  as  opportunity  did  serve. 

Thus  in  great  honour,  triumph,  and  glory,  he  reigned  a  long 
season,  ruling  all  things  within  this  realm,  appertaining  unto 
the  king,  by  his  wisdom,  and  also  all  other  weighty  matters 
of  foreign  regions,  with  which  the  king  of  this  realm  had  any 
occasion  to  intermeddle.  All  ambassadors  of  foreign  potentates 
were  always  dispatched  by  his  discretion,  to  whom  they  had 
always  access  for  their  dispatch.  His  house  was  also  always 
resorted  and  furnished  with  noblemen,  gentlemen,  and  other 
persons,  with  going  and  coming  in  and  out,  feasting  and  ban- 
queting all  ambassadors  divers  times,  and  other  strangers  right 
nobly. 

And  when  it  pleased  the  king's  majesty,  for  his  recreation, 
to  repair  unto  the  cardinal's  house,  as  he  did  divers  times  in 
the  year,  at  which  time  there  wanted  no  preparations,  or 
goodly  furniture,  with  viands  of  the  finest  sort  that  might  be 
provided  for  money  or  friendship.  Such  pleasures  were  then 
devised  for  the  king's  comfort  and  consolation,  as  might  be 
invented,  or  by  man's  wit  imagined.  The  banquets  were  set 
forth,  with  masks  and  mummeries,  in  so  gorgeous  a  sort,  and 
costly  manner,  that  it  was  an  heaven  to  behold.  There  wanted 
no  dames,  or  damsels,  meet  or  apt  to  dance  with  the  maskers, 
or  to  garnish  the  place  for  a  time,  with  other  goodly  disports. 
Then  was  there  all  kind  of  music  and  harmony  set  forth, 
with  excellent  voices  both  of  men  and  children.    I  have  seen 


Cartitnal  Wol&t^  25 

the  king  suddenly  come  in  thither  in  a  mask,  with  a  dozen 
of  other  maskers,  all  in  garments  like  shepherds,  made  of  fine 
cloth  of  gold  and  fine  crimson  satin  paned,  and  caps  of 
the  same,  with  visors  of  good  proportion  of  visonomy  ;  their 
hairs,  and  beards,  either  of  fine  gold  wire,  or  else  of  silver, 
and  some  being  of  black  silk ;  having  sixteen  torch-bearers, 
besides  their  drums,  and  other  persons  attending  upon  them, 
with  visors,  and  clothed  all  in  satin,  of  the  same  colours.  And 
at  his  coming,  and  before  he  came  into  the  hall,  ye  shall 
understand,  that  he  came  by  water  to  the  water  gate,  without 
any  noise  ;  where,  against  his  coming,  were  laid  charged  many 
chambers,  at  whose  landing  they  were  all  shot  off',  which  made 
such  a  rumble  in  the  air,  that  it  was  like  thunder.  It  made 
all  the  noblemen,  ladies,  and  gentlewomen,  to  muse  what  it 
should  mean,  coming  so  suddenly,  they  sitting  quietly  at  a 
solemn  banquet ;  under  this  sort :  First,  ye  shall  perceive  that 
the  tables  were  set  in  the  chamber  of  presence,  banquet-wise 
covered,  my  Lord  Cardinal  sitting  under  the  cloth  of  estate, 
and  there  having  his  service  all  alone ;  and  then  was  there  set 
a  lady  and  a  nobleman,  or  a  gentleman  and  a  gentlewoman, 
throughout  all  the  tables  in  the  chamber  on  the  one  side,  which 
were  made  and  joined  as  it  were  but  one  table.  All  which 
order  and  devise  was  done  and  devised  by  the  Lord  Sands,  Lord 
Chamberlain  to  the  king;  and  also  by  Sir  Harry  Guilford, 
Comptroller  to  the  king.  Then  immediately  after  this  great 
shot  of  guns,  the  cardinal  desired  the  said  Lord  Chamberlain, 
and  Comptroller,  to  look  what  this  sudden  shot  should  mean, 
as  though  he  knew  nothing  of  the  matter.  They  thereupon 
looking  out  of  the  window  into  Thames,  returned  again,  and 
showed  him,  that  it  seemed  to  them  there  should  be  some 
noblemen  and  strangers  arrived  at  his  bridge,  as  ambassadors 
from  some  foreign  prince.  With  that,  quoth  the  cardinal:  *I 
shall  desire  you,  because  ye  can  speak  French,  to  take  the  pains 
to  go  down  into  the  hall  to  encounter  and  to  receive  them,  ac- 


2  6  CJeilifeof 

cording  to  their  estates,  and  to  conduct  them  to  this  chamber, 
where  they  shall  see  us,  and  all  these  noble  personages  sitting 
merrily  at  our  banquet,  desiring  them  to  sit  down  with  us,  and 
to  take  part  of  our  fare  and  pastime.'  Then  they  went  inconti- 
nent down  into  the  hall,  where  they  received  them  with  twenty 
new  torches,  and  conveyed  them  up  into  the  chamber,  with  such 
a  number  of  drums  and  fifes  as  I  have  seldom  seen  together, 
at  one  time  in  any  masque.  At  their  arrival  into  the  chamber, 
two  and  two  together,  they  went  directly  before  the  cardinal 
where  he  sat,  saluting  him  very  reverently;  to  whom  the  Lord 
Chamberlain  for  them  said:  *Sir,  forasmuch  as  they  be  strang- 
ers, and  can  speak  no  English,  they  have  desired  me  to  declare 
unto  your  Grace  thus;  they,  having  understanding  of  this  your 
triumphant  banquet,  where  was  assembled  such  a  number  of 
excellent  fair  dames,  could  do  no  less,  under  the  supportation 
of  your  good  Grace,  but  to  repair  hither  to  view  as  well  their 
incomparable  beauty,  as  for  to  accompany  them  at  mum-chance, 
and  then  after  to  dance  with  them,  and  so  to  have  of  them  ac- 
quaintance. And,  sir,  they  furthermore  require  of  your  Grace 
licence  to  accomplish  the  cause  of  their  repair.'  To  whom  the 
cardinal  answered,  that  he  was  very  well  contented  they  should 
so  do.  Then  the  maskers  went  first  and  saluted  all  the  dames 
as  they  sat,  and  then  returned  to  the  most  worthiest,  and  there 
opened  a  cup  full  of  gold,  with  crowns,  and  other  pieces  of 
coin,  to  whom  they  set  divers  pieces  to  cast  at.  Thus  in  this 
manner  perusing  all  the  ladies  and  gentlewomen,  and  to  some 
they  lost,  and  of  some  they  won.  And  thus  done,  they  returned 
unto  the  cardinal,  with  great  reverence,  pouring  down  all  the 
crowns  in  the  cup,  which  was  about  two  hundred  crowns.  *  At 
all,'  quoth  the  cardinal,  and  so  cast  the  dice,  and  won  them  all 
at  a  cast;  whereat  was  great  joy  made.  Then  quoth  the  car- 
dinal to  my  Lord  Chamberlain,  *I  pray  you,'  quoth  he,  'show 
them  that  it  seemeth  me  how  there  should  be  among  them 
some  noble  man,  whom  I  suppose  to  be  much  more  worthy  of 


:JJCiJiL':li*. 


N 


Ai-lf-i-rv  Ls;^ 


Cl^ 


^:^/^/^' 


Cartrmall^olse^  27 

honour  to  sit  and  occupy  this  room  and  place  than  I ;  to  whom 
I  would  most  gladly,  if  I  knew  him,  surrender  my  place  ac- 
cording to  my  duty.'  Then  spake  my  Lord  Chamberlain  unto 
them  in  French,  declaring  my  Lord  Cardinal's  mind,  and  they 
rounding  him  again  in  the  ear,  my  Lord  Chamberlain  said  to 
my  Lord  Cardinal,  *  Sir,  they  confess,'  quoth  he,  *  that  among 
them  there  is  such  a  noble  personage,  among  whom,  if  your 
Grace  can  appoint  him  from  the  other,  he  is  contented  to  dis- 
close himself,  and  to  accept  your  place  most  worthily.'  With 
that  the  cardinal,  taking  a  good  advisement  among  them,  at 
the  last,  quoth  he,  '  me  seemeth  the  gentleman  with  the  black 
beard  should  be  even  he.'  And  with  that  he  arose  out  of  his 
chair,  and  offered  the  same  to  the  gentleman  in  the  black  beard, 
with  his  cap  in  his  hand.  The  person  to  whom  he  offered  then 
his  chair  was  Sir  Edward  Neville,  a  comely  knight  of  a  goodly 
personage,  that  much  more  resembled  the  king's  person  in  that 
mask,  than  any  other.  The  king,  hearing  and  perceiving  the 
cardinal  so  deceived  in  his  estimation  and  choice,  could  not 
forbear  laughing;  but  plucked  down  his  visor,  and  Master 
Neville's,  and  dashed  out  with  such  a  pleasant  countenance  and 
cheer,  that  all  noble  estates  there  assembled,  seeing  the  king 
to  be  there  amongst  them,  rejoiced  very  much.  The  cardinal 
eftsoons  desired  his  Highness  to  take  the  place  of  estate,  to 
whom  the  king  answered,  that  he  would  go  first  and  shift  his 
apparel;  and  so  departed,  and  went  straight  into  my  lord's  bed- 
chamber, where  was  a  great  fire  made  and  prepared  for  him; 
and  there  new  apparelled  him  with  rich  and  princely  garments. 
And  in  the  time  of  the  king's  absence,  the  dishes  of  the  ban- 
quet were  clean  taken  up,  and  the  tables  spread  again  with  new 
and  sweet  perfumed  cloths;  every  man  sitting  still  until  the 
king  and  his  maskers  came  in  among  them  again,  every  man 
being  newly  apparelled.  Then  the  king  took  his  seat  under  the 
cloth  of  estate,  commanding  no  man  to  remove,  but  sit  still, 
as  they  did  before.    Then  in  came  a  new  banquet  before  the 


2  8  C|)e  ilife  of 

king's  majesty,  and  to  all  the  rest  through  the  tables,  wherein, 
I  suppose,  was  served  two  hundred  dishes  or  above,  of  won- 
drous costly  meats  and  delices,  subtilly  devised.  Thus  passed 
they  forth  the  whole  night  with  banqueting,  dancing,  and  other 
triumphant  devices,  to  the  great  comfort  of  the  king,  and 
pleasant  regard  of  the  nobility  there  assembled. 

All  this  matter  I  have  declared  at  large,  because  ye  shall 
understand  what  joy  and  delight  the  cardinal  had  to  see  his 
prince  and  sovereign  lord  in  his  house  so  nobly  entertained  and 
pleased,  which  was  always  his  only  study,  to  devise  things  to  his 
comfort,  not  passing  of  the  charges  or  expenses.  It  delighted 
him  so  much,  to  have  the  king's  pleasant  princely  presence, 
that  no  thing  was  to  him  more  delectable  than  to  cheer  his 
sovereign  lord,  to  whom  he  owed  so  much  obedience  and  loy- 
alty ;  as  reason  required  no  less,  all  things  well  considered. 

Thus  passed  the  cardinal  his  life  and  time,  from  day  to  day, 
and  year  to  year,  in  such  great  wealth,  joy,  and  triumph,  and 
glory,  having  always  on  his  side  the  king's  especial  favour; 
until  Fortune,  of  whose  favour  no  man  is  longer  assured  than 
she  is  disposed,  began  to  wax  something  wroth  with  his  pro- 
sperous estate,  thought  she  would  devise  a  mean  to  abate  his 
high  port ;  wherefore  she  procured  Venus,  the  insatiate  god- 
dess, to  be  her  instrument.  To  work  her  purpose,  she  brought 
the  king  in  love  with  a  gentlewoman,  that,  after  she  perceived 
and  felt  the  king's  good  will  towards  her,  and  how  diligent 
he  was  both  to  please  her,  and  to  grant  all  her  requests,  she 
wrought  the  cardinal  much  displeasure ;  as  hereafter  shall  be 
more  at  large  declared.  This  gentlewoman,  the  daughter  of 
Sir  Thomas  Boleyn,  being  at  that  time  but  only  a  bachelor 
knight,  the  which  after,  for  the  love  of  his  daughter,  was  pro- 
moted to  higher  dignities.  He  bare  at  divers  several  times  for 
the  most  part  all  the  rooms  of  estimation  in  the  king's  house;  as 
Comptroller,  Treasurer,  Vice-Chamberlain,  and  Lord  Cham- 
berlain.   Then  was  he  made  Viscount  Rochford ;  and  at  the 


Cattiinal  WolQt^  29 

last  created  Earl  of  Wiltshire,  and  Knight  of  the  noble  Order 
of  the  Garter;  and,  for  his  more  increase  of  gain  and  honour, 
he  was  made  Lord  Privy  Seal,  and  most  chiefest  of  the  king's 
privy  council.  Continuing  therein  until  his  son  and  daughter 
did  incur  the  king's  indignation  and  displeasure.  The  king 
fantasied  so  much  his  daughter  Anne,  that  almost  everything 
began  to  grow^  out  of  frame  and  good  order. 

To  tell  you  how  the  king's  love  began  to  take  place,  and 
what  followed  thereof,  I  will  even  as  much  as  in  me  lieth, 
declare  you.  This  gentlewoman.  Mistress  Anne  Boleyn,  being 
very  young,  was  sent  into  the  realm  of  France,  and  there  made 
one  of  the  French  queen's  women,  continuing  there  until  the 
French  queen  died.  And  then  was  she  sent  for  home  again  ; 
and  being  again  with  her  father,  he  made  such  means  that  she 
was  admitted  to  be  one  of  Queen  Catherine's  maids,  among 
whom,  for  her  excellent  gesture  and  behaviour,  did  excel  all 
other;  insomuch  as  the  king  began  to  kindle  the  brand  of 
amours;  which  was  not  known  to  any  person,  nor  scantly  to 
her  own  person. 

Insomuch,  my  Lord  Percy,  the  son  and  heir  of  the  Earl  of 
Northumberland,  who  then  attended  upon  the  Lord  Cardinal, 
and  was  also  his  servitor;  and  when  it  chanced  the  Lord  Car- 
dinal at  any  time  to  repair  to  the  court,  the  Lord  Percy  would 
then  resort  for  his  pastime  unto  the  queen's  chamber,  and  there 
would  fall  in  dalliance  among  the  queen's  maidens,  being  at 
the  last  more  conversant  with  Mistress  Anne  Boleyn  than  with 
any  other;  so  that  there  grew  such  a  secret  love  between  them 
that,  at  length,  they  were  ensured  together,  intending  to  marry. 
The  which  thing  came  to  the  king's  knowledge,  who  was  then 
much  offended.  Wherefore  he  could  hide  no  longer  his  secret 
affection,  but  revealed  his  secret  intendment  unto  my  Lord 
Cardinal  in  that  behalf;  and  consulted  with  him  to  infringe 
the  precontract  between  them:  insomuch,  that  after  my  Lord 
Cardinal  was  departed  from  the  court,  and  returned  home  to 


30  %fit  IBLik  of 

his  place  at  Westminster,  not  forgetting  the  king's  request  and 
counsel,  being  in  his  gallery,  called  there  before  him  the  said 
Lord  Percy  unto  his  presence,  and  before  us  his  servants  of  his 
chamber,  saying  thus  unto  him:  'I  marvel  not  a  little,'  quoth 
he,  *  of  thy  peevish  folly,  that  thou  wouldest  tangle  and  ensure 
thyself  with  a  foolish  girl  yonder  in  the  court,  I  mean  Anne 
Boleyn.  Dost  thou  not  consider  the  estate  that  God  hath 
called  thee  unto  in  this  world  ?  For  after  the  death  of  thy 
noble  father,  thou  art  most  like  to  inherit  and  possess  one  of 
the  most  worthiest  earldoms  of  this  realm.  Therefore  it  had 
been  most  meet  and  convenient  for  thee  to  have  sued  for  the 
consent  of  thy  father  in  that  behalf,  and  to  have  also  made 
the  king's  highness  privy  thereto;  requiring  then  his  princely 
favour,  submitting  all  thy  whole  proceeding  in  all  such  matters 
unto  his  Highness,  who  would  not  only  accept  thankfully 
your  submission,  but  would,  I  assure  thee,  provide  so  for  your 
purpose  therein,  that  he  would  advance  you  much  more  nobly, 
and  have  matched  you  according  to  your  estate  and  honour, 
whereby  ye  might  have  grown  so  by  your  wisdom  and  honour- 
able behaviour  into  the  king's  high  estimation,  that  it  should 
have  been  much  to  your  increase  of  honour.  But  now  behold 
what  ye  have  done  through  your  wilfulness.  Ye  have  not  only 
offended  your  natural  father,  but  also  your  most  gracious 
sovereign  lord,  and  matched  yourself  with  one,  such  as  neither 
the  king,  nor  yet  your  father  will  be  agreeable  with  the  matter. 
And  hereof  I  put  you  out  of  doubt,  that  I  will  send  for  your 
father,  and  at  his  coming,  he  shall  either  break  this  unadvised 
contract,  or  else  disinherit  thee  for  ever.  The  king's  majesty 
himself  will  complain  to  thy  father  on  thee,  and  require  no  less 
at  his  hands  than  I  have  said;  whose  Highness  intended  to  have 
preferred  her  unto  another  person,  with  whom  the  king  hath 
travailed  already,  and  being  almost  at  a  point  with  the  same 
person,  although  she  knoweth  it  not,  yet  hath  the  king,  most 
like  a  politic  and  prudent  prince,  conveyed  the  matter  in  such 


/\.  :i,\   Uolleiri  \Jaoen 


/ 


Cartimal  WolQt^  3 1 

sort,  that  she,  upon  the  king's  motion,  will  be,  I  doubt  not, 
right  glad  and  agreeable  to  the  same.'  *  Sir,'  quoth  the  Lord 
Percy,  all  weeping,  *  I  knew  nothing  of  the  king's  pleasure 
therein,  for  whose  displeasure  I  am  very  sorry.  I  considered 
that  I  was  of  good  years,  and  thought  myself  sufficient  to  pro- 
vide me  of  a  convenient  wife,  whereas  my  fancy  served  me  best, 
not  doubting  but  that  my  lord  myfather  would  have  been  right 
well  persuaded.  And  though  she  be  a  simple  maid,  and  having 
but  a  knight  to  her  father,  yet  is  she  descended  of  right  noble 
parentage.  As  by  her  mother  she  is  nigh  of  the  Norfolk  blood : 
and  of  her  father's  side  lineally  descended  of  the  Earl  of 
Ormond,  he  being  one  of  the  earl's  heirs  general.  Why  should 
I  then,  sir,  be  anything  scrupulous  to  match  with  her,  whose 
estate  of  descent  is  equivalent  with  mine  when  I  shall  be  in 
most  dignity  ?  Therefore  I  most  humbly  require  your  Grace 
of  your  especial  favour  herein;  and  also  to  entreat  the  king's 
most  royal  majesty  most  lowly  on  my  behalf,  for  his  princely 
benevolence  in  this  matter,  the  which  I  cannot  deny  or  for- 
sake.' *Lo,  sirs,'  quoth  the  cardinal,  'ye  may  see  what  con- 
formity or  wisdom  is  in  this  wilful  boy's  head.  I  thought  that 
when  thou  heardest  me  declare  the  king's  intended  pleasure 
and  travail  herein,  thou  wouldest  have  relented  and  wholly 
submitted  thyself,  and  all  thy  wilful  and  unadvised  fact,  to  the 
king's  royal  will  and  prudent  pleasure,  to  be  fully  disposed  and 
ordered  by  his  Grace's  disposition,  as  his  Highness  should  seem 
good.'  'Sir,  so  I  would,'  quoth  the  Lord  Percy,  'but  in  this 
matter  I  have  gone  so  far,  before  many  so  worthy  witnesses, 
that  I  know  not  how  to  avoid  myself  nor  to  discharge  my  con- 
science.' 'Why,  thinkest  thou,'  quoth  the  cardinal,  'that  the 
king  and  I  know  not  what  we  have  to  do  in  as  weighty  a  matter 
as  this?  Yes,'  quoth  he,  'I  warrant  thee.  Howbeit  I  can  see 
in  thee  no  submission  to  the  purpose.'  '  Forsooth,  my  Lord,' 
quoth  my  Lord  Percy,  'if  it  please  your  Grace,  I  will  submit 
myself  wholly  to  the  king's  majesty  and  grace  in  this  matter. 


3  2  C|)eilifeof 

my  conscience  being  discharged  of  the  weighty  burthen  of  my 
precontract.'  'Well  then,'  quoth  the  cardinal,  *  I  will  send  for 
your  father  out  of  the  north  parts,  and  he  and  we  shall  take 
such  order  for  the  avoiding  of  this  thy  hasty  folly  as  shall  be  by 
the  king  thought  most  expedient.  And  in  the  mean  season 
I  charge  thee,  and  in  the  king's  name  command  thee,  that 
thou  presume  not  once  to  resort  into  her  company,  as  thou 
intendest  to  avoid  the  king's  high  indignation.'  And  this  said, 
he  rose  up  and  went  into  his  chamber. 

Then  was  the  Earl  of  Northumberland  sent  for  in  all  haste, 
in  the  king's  name,  who,  upon  knowledge  of  the  king's  pleas- 
ure, made  quick  speed  to  the  court.  And  at  his  first  coming 
out  of  the  north  he  made  his  first  repair  unto  my  Lord  Car- 
dinal, at  whose  mouth  he  was  advertised  of  the  cause  of  his 
hasty  sending  for;  being  in  my  Lord  Cardinal's  gallery  with 
him  in  secret  communication  a  long  while.  And  after  their 
long  talk  my  Lord  Cardinal  called  for  a  cup  with  wine,  and 
drinking  together  they  brake  up,  and  so  departed  the  earl, 
upon  whom  we  were  commanded  to  wait  to  convey  him  to 
his  servants.  And  in  his  going  away,  when  he  came  to  the 
gallery's  end,  he  sat  him  down  upon  a  form  that  stood  there 
for  the  waiters  some  time  to  take  their  ease.  And  being  there 
set  called  his  son  the  Lord  Percy  unto  him,  and  said  in  our 
presence  thus  in  effect:  'Son,'  quoth  he,  'thou  hast  always 
been  a  proud,  presumptuous,  disdainful,  and  a  very  unthrift 
waster,  and  even  so  hast  thou  now  declared  thyself.  There- 
fore, what  joy,  what  comfort,  what  pleasure  or  solace  should 
I  conceive  in  thee,  that  thus  without  discretion  and  advise- 
ment hast  misused  thyself,  having  no  manner  of  regard  to  me 
thy  natural  father,  nor  in  especial  unto  thy  sovereign  lord,  to 
whom  all  honest  and  loyal  subjects  bear  faithful  and  humble 
obedience;  nor  yet  to  the  wealth  of  thine  own  estate,  but  hath 
so  unadvisedly  ensured  thyself  to  her  for  whom  thou  hast  pur- 
chased thee  the  king's  displeasure,  intolerable  for  any  subject 


Cattiinal  Wolst^  33 

to  sustain!  But  that  his  Grace  of  his  mere  wisdom  doth 
consider  the  lightness  of  thy  head,  and  wilful  qualities  of  thy 
person,  his  displeasure  and  indignation  were  sufficient  to  cast 
me  and  all  my  posterity  into  utter  subversion  and  desolation : 
but  he  being  my  especial  and  singular  good  lord  and  favourable 
prince,  and  my  Lord  Cardinal,  my  good  lord,  hath  and  doth 
clearly  excuse  me  in  thy  lewd  fact,  and  doth  rather  lament  thy 
lightness  than  malign  the  same ;  and  hath  devised  an  order  to 
be  taken  for  thee;  to  whom  both  thou  and  I  be  more  bound 
than  we  be  able  well  to  consider.  I  pray  to  God  that  this  may 
be  to  thee  a  sufficient  monition  and  warning  to  use  thyself 
more  wittier  hereafter;  for  thus  I  assure  thee,  if  thou  dost 
not  amend  thy  prodigality,  thou  wilt  be  the  last  earl  of  our 
house.  For  of  thy  natural  inclination  thou  art  disposed  to  be 
wasteful  prodigal,  and  to  consume  all  that  thy  progenitors 
have  with  great  travail  gathered  together  and  kept  with  honour. 
But  having  the  king's  majesty  my  singular  good  and  gracious 
lord,  I  intend,  God  willing,  so  to  dispose  my  succession,  that 
ye  shall  consume  thereof  but  little.  For  I  do  not  purpose,  I 
assure  thee,  to  make  thee  mine  heir ;  for,  praises  be  to  God, 
I  have  more  choice  of  boys  who,  I  trust,  will  prove  them- 
selves much  better,  and  use  them  more  like  unto  nobility, 
among  whom  I  will  choose  and  take  the  best  and  most  like- 
liest to  succeed  me.  Now,  masters  and  good  gentlemen,' 
quoth  he  unto  us,  *it  may  be  your  chances  hereafter,  when 
I  am  dead,  to  see  the  proof  of  these  things  that  I  have  spoken 
to  my  son  prove  as  true  as  I  have  spoken  them.  Yet  in  the 
mean  season  I  desire  you  all  to  be  his  friends,  and  to  tell  him 
his  fault  when  he  doth  amiss,  wherein  ye  shall  show  your- 
selves to  be  much  his  friends.'  And  with  that  he  took  his 
leave  of  us.  And  said  to  his  son  thus:  'Go  your  ways,  and 
attend  upon  my  lord's  grace  your  master,  and  see  that  you  do 
your  duty.'  And  so  departed,  and  went  his  way  down  through 
the  hall  into  his  barge. 


34  Ci)e  ilife  of 

Then  after  long  debating  and  consultation  upon  the  Lord 
Percy's  assurance,  it  was  devised  that  the  same  should  be 
infringed  and  dissolved,  and  that  the  Lord  Percy  should  marry 
with  one  of  the  Earl  of  Shrewsbury's  daughters;  as  he  did 
after;  by  means  whereof  the  former  contract  was  clearly  un- 
done. Wherewith  Mistress  Anne  Boleyn  was  greatly  offended, 
saying,  that  if  it  lay  ever  in  her  power,  she  would  work  the 
cardinal  as  much  displeasure;  as  she  did  indeed  after.  And 
yet  was  he  nothing  to  blame,  for  he  practised  nothing  in  that 
matter,  but  it  was  the  king's  only  device.  And  even  as  my 
Lord  Percy  was  commanded  to  avoid  her  company,  even  so 
was  she  commanded  to  avoid  the  court,  and  sent  home  again 
to  her  father  for  a  season;  whereat  she  smoked:  for  all  this 
while  she  knew  nothing  of  the  king's  intended  purpose. 

But  ye  may  see  when  Fortune  beginneth  to  lower,  how  she 
can  compass  a  matter  to  work  displeasure  by  a  far  fetch.  For 
now,  mark,  good  reader,  the  grudge,  how  it  began,  that  in 
process  of  time  burst  out  to  the  utter  undoing  of  the  cardinal. 
O  Lord,  what  a  God  art  thou  !  that  workest  thy  secrets  so 
wonderfully,  which  be  not  perceived  until  they  be  brought  to 
pass  and  finished.  Mark  this  history  following,  good  reader, 
and  note  every  circumstance,  and  thou  shalt  espy  at  thine  eye 
the  wonderful  work  of  God,  against  such  persons  as  forgetteth 
God  and  his  great  benefits !    Mark,  I  say,  mark  them  well ! 

After  that  all  these  troublesome  matters  of  my  Lord  Percy's 
were  brought  to  a  good  stay,  and  all  things  finished  that 
was  before  devised.  Mistress  Anne  Boleyn  was  revoked  unto 
the  court,  where  she  flourished  after  in  great  estimation  and 
favour  ;  having  always  a  privy  indignation  unto  the  cardinal, 
for  breaking  of  the  precontract  made  between  my  Lord  Percy 
and  her,  supposing  that  it  had  been  his  own  device  and  will, 
and  none  other,  not  yet  being  privy  to  the  king's  secret  mind, 
although  that  he  had  a  great  affection  unto  her.  Howbeit, 
after  she  knew  the  king's  pleasure,  and  the  great  love  that  he 


Cartitnal  Wolst^  35 

bare  her  in  the  bottom  of  his  stomach,  then  began  she  to  look 
very  hault  and  stout,  having  all  manner  of  jewels,  or  rich 
apparel,  that  might  be  gotten  with  money.  It  was  therefore 
judged  by-and-by  through  all  the  court  of  every  man,  that  she 
being  in  such  favour,  might  work  masteries  with  the  king, 
and  obtain  any  suit  of  him  for  her  friends. 

And  all  this  while,  she  being  in  this  estimation  in  all  places, 
it  is  no  doubt  but  good  Queen  Catherine,  having  this  gentle- 
woman daily  attending  upon  her,  both  heard  by  report,  and 
perceived  before  her  eyes,  the  matter  how  it  framed  against 
her,  good  lady,  although  she  showed  (ne  to  Mistress  Anne,  ne 
unto  the  king)  any  spark  or  kind  of  grudge  or  displeasure  ;  but 
took  and  accepted  all  things  in  good  part,  and  with  wisdom 
and  great  patience  dissimuled  the  same,  having  Mistress  Anne 
in  more  estimation  for  the  king's  sake  than  she  had  before, 
declaring  herself  thereby  to  be  a  perfect  Griselda,as  her  patient 
acts  shall  hereafter  more  evidently  to  all  men  be  declared. 

The  king  waxed  so  far  in  amours  with  this  gentlewoman 
that  he  knew  not  how  much  he  might  advance  her.  This 
perceiving,  the  great  lords  of  the  council,  bearing  a  secret 
grudge  against  the  cardinal,  because  that  they  could  not  rule 
in  the  scene  well  for  him  as  they  would,  who  kept  them  low, 
and  ruled  them  as  well  as  other  mean  subjects,  whereat  they 
caught  an  occasion  to  invent  a  mean  to  bring  him  out  of  the 
king's  high  favour,  and  them  into  more  authority  of  rule  and 
civil  governance.  After  long  and  secret  consultation  amongst 
themselves,  how  to  bring  their  malice  to  effect  against  the 
cardinal,  they  knew  right  well  that  it  was  very  difficile  for 
them  to  do  any  thing  directly  of  themselves.  Wherefore,  they 
perceiving  the  great  affection  that  the  king  bare  lovingly  unto 
Mistress  Anne  Boleyn,  fantasying  in  their  heads  that  she 
should  be  for  them  a  sufficient  and  an  apt  instrument  to  bring 
their  malicious  purpose  to  pass,  with  her  they  often  consulted 
in  this  matter.    And  she  having  both  a  very  j-pod  wit,  and  also 


36  CJe  iltfe  of 

an  inward  desire  to  be  revenged  of  the  cardinal,  was  as  agree- 
able to  their  requests  as  they  were  themselves.  Wherefore 
there  was  no  more  to  do  but  only  to  imagine  some  presented 
circumstance  to  induce  their  malicious  accusations.  Insomuch 
that  there  was  imagined  and  invented  among  them  diverse  im- 
aginations and  subtle  devices,  how  this  matter  should  be  brought 
about.  The  enterprise  thereof  was  so  dangerous,  that  though 
they  would  fain  have  often  attempted  the  matter  with  the  king, 
yet  they  durst  not ;  for  they  knew  the  great  loving  affection  and 
especial  favour  that  the  king  bare  to  the  cardinal,  and  also  they 
feared  the  wonder  wit  of  the  cardinal.  For  this  they  under- 
stood very  well,  that  if  their  matter  that  they  should  propone 
against  him  were  not  grounded  upon  a  just  and  an  urgent 
cause,  the  king's  favour  being  such  towards  him,  and  his  wit 
such,  that  he  would  with  policy  vanquish  all  their  purpose 
and  travail,  and  then  lie  in  wait  to  work  them  an  utter  de- 
struction and  subversion.  Wherefore  they  were  compelled,  all 
things  considered,  to  forbear  their  enterprise  until  they  might 
espy  a  more  convenient  time  and  occasion. 

And  yet  the  cardinal,  espying  the  great  zeal  that  the  king 
had  conceived  in  this  gentlewoman,  ordered  himself  to  please 
as  well  the  king  as  her,  dissimuling  the  matter  that  lay  hid  in 
his  breast,  and  prepared  great  banquets  and  solemn  feasts  to 
entertain  them  both  at  his  own  house.  And  thus  the  world 
began  to  grow  into  wonderful  inventions,  not  heard  of  before 
in  this  realm.  The  love  between  the  king  and  this  gorgeous 
lady  grew  to  such  a  perfection,  that  divers  imaginations  were 
imagined,  whereof  I  leave  to  speak  until  I  come  to  the  place 
where  I  may  have  more  occasion. 

Then  began  a  certain  grudge  to  arise  between  the  French 
king  and  the  Duke  of  Bourbon,  insomuch  as  the  duke,  being 
vassal  to  the  house  of  France,  was  constrained  for  the  safe- 
guard of  his  person  to  flee  his  dominions,  and  to  forsake  his 
territory  and  country,  doubting  the  king's  great  malice  and 


r^^ 


IDxtyCnye^/y^ns^  ./y> '^xms;. 


S^rtf<?3>Z^ 


Cardinal  Wol&t^  37 

indignation.  The  cardinal,  having  thereof  intelligence,  com- 
passed in  his  head,  that  if  the  king  our  sovereign  lord,  having 
an  occasion  of  w^ars  vi^ith  the  realm  of  France,  might  retain 
the  duke  to  be  his  general  in  his  wars  there  :  inasmuch  as  the 
duke  was  fled  unto  the  emperor,  to  invite  him  also,  to  stir 
wars  against  the  French  king.  The  cardinal  having  all  this 
imagination  in  his  head  thought  it  good  to  move  the  king  in 
this  matter.  And  after  the  king  was  once  advertised  hereof, 
and  conceived  the  cardinal's  imagination  and  invention,  he 
dreamed  of  this  matter  more  and  more,  until  at  the  last  it 
came  in  question  among  the  council  in  consultation,  so  that 
it  was  there  finally  concluded  that  an  ambassy  should  be  sent 
to  the  emperor  about  this  matter ;  with  whom  it  was  con- 
cluded that  the  king  and  the  emperor  should  join  in  these 
wars  against  the  French  king,  and  that  the  Duke  of  Bourbon 
should  be  our  sovereign  lord's  champion  and  general  in  the 
field ;  who  had  appointed  him  a  great  number  of  good  sol- 
diers over  and  besides  the  emperor's  army,  which  was  not 
small,  and  led  by  one  of  his  own  noblemen  ;  and  also  that  the 
king  should  pay  the  duke  his  wages  and  his  retinue  monthly. 
Insomuch  as  Sir  John  Russell  (who  was  after  Earl  of  Bed- 
ford) lay  continually  beyond  the  seas  in  a  secret  place  assigned, 
both  for  to  receive  the  king's  money  and  to  pay  the  same 
monthly  to  the  duke.  So  that  the  duke  began  fierce  war  with 
the  French  king  in  his  own  territory  and  dukedom,  which 
the  French  king  had  confiscated  and  seized  into  his  hands ; 
yet  not  known  to  the  duke's  enemies  that  he  had  any  aid  of 
the  king  our  sovereign  lord.  And  thus  he  wrought  the  French 
king  much  trouble  and  displeasure  ;  insomuch  as  the  French 
king  was  compelled  of  fine  force  to  put  harness  on  his  back, 
and  to  prepare  a  puissant  army  royal,  and  in  his  own  person 
to  advance  to  defend  and  resist  the  duke's  power  and  malice. 
The  duke,  having  understanding  of  the  king's  advancement, 
was  compelled  of  force  to  take  Pavia,  a  strong  town  in  Italy, 


38  Cfjeilifeof 

with  his  host,  for  their  security ;  whereas  the  king  besieged 
him,  and  encamped  him  wondrous  strongly,  intending  to 
enclose  the  duke  within  this  town,  that  he  should  not  issue. 
Yet,  notwithstanding,  the  duke  would  and  did  many  times 
issue  and  skirmish  with  the  king's  army. 

Now  let  us  leave  the  king  in  his  camp  before  Pavia,  and 
return  again  to  the  Lord  Cardinal,  who  seemed  to  be  more 
French  than  Imperial.  But  how  it  came  to  pass  I  cannot  de- 
clare you  :  but  the  French  king  lying  in  his  camp,  sent  secretly 
into  England  a  privy  person,  a  very  witty  man,  to  treat  of 
a  peace  between  him  and  the  king  our  sovereign  lord,  whose 
name  was  John  Joachin  ;  he  was  kept  as  secret  as  might  be, 
that  no  man  had  intelligence  of  his  repair ;  for  he  was  no 
Frenchman,  but  an  Italian  born,  a  man  before  of  no  estima- 
tion in  France,  or  known  to  be  in  favour  with  his  master,  but 
to  be  a  merchant,  and  for  his  subtle  wit  elected  to  entreat  of 
such  affairs  as  the  king  had  commanded  him  by  ambassy. 
This  Joachin  after  his  arrival  here  in  England  was  secretly 
conveyed  unto  the  king's  manor  of  Richmond,  and  there  re- 
mained until  Whitsuntide,  at  which  time  the  cardinal  resorted 
thither,  and  kept  there  the  said  feast  very  solemnly.  In  which 
season  my  lord  caused  this  Joachin  divers  times  to  dine  with 
him,  whose  talk  and  behaviour  seemed  to  be  witty,  sober,  and 
wondrous  discreet.  He  continued  in  England  long  after,  until 
he  had,  as  it  seemed,  brought  his  purposed  ambassy  to  pass 
which  he  had  in  commission.  For  after  this  there  was  sent  out 
immediately  a  restraint  unto  Sir  John  Russell,  into  those  parts 
where  he  made  his  abiding  beyond  the  seas,  that  he  should  re- 
tain and  keep  back  that  month's  wages  still  in  his  hands,  which 
should  have  been  paid  unto  the  Duke  of  Bourbon,  until  the 
king's  pleasure  were  to  him  further  known;  for  want  of  which 
money  at  the  day  appointed  of  payment,  the  duke  and  his  reti- 
nue were  greatly  dismayed,  and  sore  disappointed  ;  and  when 
they  saw  that  their  money  was  not  brought  unto  them  as  it 


Cardinal  Wolst^  39 

was  wont  to  be.  And  being  in  so  dangerous  a  case  for  want  of 
victuals,  which  was  wondrous  scant  and  dear,  there  was  many- 
imaginations  what  should  be  the  cause  of  the  let  thereof.  Some 
said  this,  and  some  said  they  wist  never  what ;  so  that  they  mis- 
trusted no  thing  less  than  the  very  cause  thereof.  Insomuch  at 
the  last,  what  for  want  of  victuals  and  other  necessaries  which 
could  not  be  gotten  within  the  town,  the  captains  and  soldiers 
began  to  grudge  and  mutter;  and  at  the  last,  for  lack  of  victual, 
were  like  all  to  perish.  They  being  in  this  extremity  came 
before  the  Duke  of  Bourbon  their  captain,  and  said:  *  Sir,  we 
must  be  of  very  force  and  necessity  compelled  to  yield  us  into 
the  danger  of  our  enemies ;  and  better  it  were  for  us  so  to  do 
than  here  to  starve  like  dogs.'  When  the  duke  heard  their 
lamentations,  and  understood  the  extremity  that  they  were 
brought  unto  for  lack  of  money,  he  said  again  unto  them: 
'Sirs,'quoth  he,  *ye  are  both  valiant  men  and  of  noble  courage, 
who  have  served  here  under  me  right  worthily ;  and  for  your 
necessity,  whereof  I  am  participant,  I  do  not  a  little  lament. 
Howbeit  I  shall  desire  you,  as  ye  are  noble  in  hearts  and  cour- 
age, so  to  take  patience  for  a  day  or  twain :  and  if  succour  come 
not  then  from  the  King  of  England,  as  I  doubt  nothing  that 
he  will  deceive  us,  I  will  well  agree  that  we  shall  all  put  our- 
selves and  all  our  lives  unto  the  mercy  of  our  enemies  ; '  where- 
with they  were  all  agreeable.  And  expecting  the  coming  of 
the  king's  money  the  space  of  three  days,  the  which  days  passed, 
the  duke  seeing  no  remedy  called  his  noblemen,  and  captains, 
and  soldiers  before  him,  and  all  weeping  said:  *0  ye  noble  cap- 
tains and  valiant  men,  my  gentle  companions,  I  see  no  remedy 
in  this  necessity,  but  either  we  must  yield  us  unto  our  enemies, 
or  else  famish.  And  to  yield  the  town  and  ourselves,  I  know 
not  the  mercy  of  our  enemies.  And  as  for  my  part  I  pass  not 
of  their  cruelties,  for  I  know  very  well  I  shall  suffer  most  cruel 
death  if  I  come  once  into  their  hands.  It  is  not  for  myself 
therefore  that  I  do  lament,  but  it  is  for  your  sakes;  it  is  for  your 


40  %f^t  Hift  of 

lives ;  it  is  also  for  the  safeguard  of  your  persons.   For  so  that  ye 
might  escape  the  danger  of  your  enemies'  hands,  I  would  most 
gladly  suffer  death.    Therefore,  good  companions  and  noble 
soldiers,  I  shall  require  you  all,  considering  the  dangerous 
misery  and  calamity  that  we  stand  in  at  this  present,  to  sell  our 
lives  most  dearly  rather  than  to  be  murdered  like  beasts.   If  ye 
will  follow  my  counsel  we  will  take  upon  us  this  night  to  give 
our  enemies  an  assault  to  their  camp,  and  by  that  means  we 
may  either  escape,  or  else  give  them  an  overthrow.    And  thus 
it  were  better  to  die  in  the  field  like  men,  than  to  live  in  cap- 
tivity and  misery  as  prisoners.'    To  the  which  they  all  agreed. 
Then  quoth  the  duke:  'Ye  perceive  that  our  enemies  hath 
encamped  us  with  a  strong  camp,  and  that  there  is  no  way  to 
enter  but  one,  which  is  so  planted  with  great  ordnance,  and 
force  of  men,  that  it  is  not  possible  to  enter  that  way  to  fight 
with  our  enemies  without  great  danger.    And  also,  ye  see  that 
now  of  late  they  have  had  small  doubt  of  us,  insomuch  as  they 
have  kept  but  slender  watch.    Therefore  my  pohcy  and  device 
shall  be  this:  that  about  the  dead  time  of  the  night,  when  our 
enemies  be  most  quiet  at  rest,  shall  issue  from  us  a  number  of 
the  most  deliverest  soldiers  to  assault  their  camp ;  who  shall 
give  the  assault  right  fiercely,  even  directly  against  the  entry 
of  the  camp,  which  is  almost  invincible.  Your  fierce  and  sharp 
assault  shall  be  to  them  in  the  camp  so  doubtful,  that  they  shall 
be  compelled  to  turn  the  strength  of  their  entry  that  lieth  over 
against  your  assault,  to  beat  you  from  the  assault.    Then  will  I 
issue  out  at  the  postern,  and  come  to  the  place  of  their  strength 
newly  turned,  and  there,  ere  they  be  ware,  will  I  enter  and 
fightwith  them  at  the  same  place  where  their  guns  and  strength 
lay  before,  and  so  come  to  the  rescue  of  you  of  the  assault,  and 
winning  their  ordnance  which  they  have  turned,  and  beat  them 
with  their  own  pieces.    And  then  we  joining  together  in  the 
field,  I  trust  we  shall  have  a  fair  hand  of  them.'    This  device 
pleased  them  wondrous  well.  Then  prepared  they  all  that  day 


Cartiinal  l^olsep  41 

for  the  purposed  device,  and  kept  them  secret  and  close,  with- 
out any  noise  or  shot  of  pieces  within  the  town,  which  gave 
their  enemies  the  less  fear  of  any  trouble  that  night,  but  every 
man  went  to  their  rest  within  their  tents  and  lodgings  quietly, 
nothing  mistrusting  that  after  ensued. 

Then  when  all  the  king's  host  was  at  rest,  the  assailants 
issued  out  of  the  town  without  any  noise,  according  to  the 
former  appointment,  and  gave  a  fierce  and  cruel  assault  at  the 
place  appointed ;  that  they  within  the  camp  had  as  much  ado 
to  defend  as  was  possible :  and  even  as  the  duke  had  before 
declared  to  his  soldiers,  they  within  were  compelled  to  turn 
their  shot  that  lay  at  their  entry  against  the  assailants.  With 
that  issued  the  duke,  and  with  him  about  fifteen  or  sixteen 
thousand  men  or  more,  and  secretly  in  the  night,  his  enemies 
being  not  privy  of  his  coming  until  he  was  entered  the  field. 
And  at  his  first  entry  he  was  master  of  all  the  ordnance  that 
lay  there,  and  slew  the  gunners ;  and  charged  the  said  pieces 
and  bent  them  against  his  enemies,  of  whom  he  slew  won- 
drously  a  great  number.  He  cut  down  tents  and  pavilions, 
and  murdered  them  within  them,  or  they  wist  of  his  coming, 
suspecting  nothing  less  than  the  duke's  entry;  so  that  he  won 
the  field  or  ever  the  king  could  arise  to  the  rescue  :  who  was 
taken  in  his  lodging  or  ever  he  was  armed.  And  when  the 
duke  had  obtained  the  field,  and  the  French  king  taken  pris- 
oner, his  men  slain,  and  his  tents  robbed  and  spoiled,  which 
were  wondrous  rich.  And  in  the  spoil,  searching  of  the  king's 
treasure  in  his  coffers  there  was  found  among  them  the  league 
newly  concluded  between  the  King  of  England  and  the  French 
king,  under  the  great  seal  of  England;  which  once  by  him 
perceived,  he  began  to  smell  the  impediment  of  his  money 
which  should  have  come  to  him  from  the  king.  Having  upon 
due  search  of  this  matter  further  intelligence  that  all  this 
matter  and  his  utter  undoing  was  concluded  and  devised  by  the 
Cardinal  of  England,  the  duke  conceived  such  an  indignation 


42  Cfje  HtfE  of 

hereupon  against  the  cardinal,  that  after  he  had  established 
all  things  there  in  good  order  and  security,  he  went  incon- 
tinent unto  Rome,  intending  there  to  sack  the  town,  and  to 
have  taken  the  pope  prisoner:  where,  at  his  first  assault  of  the 
walls,  he  was  the  first  man  that  was  there  slain.  Yet,  notwith- 
standing, his  captains  continued  there  the  assault,  and  in  con- 
clusion won  the  town,  and  the  pope  fled  unto  Castle  Angell, 
where  he  continued  long  after  in  great  calamity. 

I  have  written  thus  this  history  at  large  because  itwasthought 
that  the  cardinal  gave  the  chief  occasion  of  all  this  mischief. 
"Ye  may  perceive  what  thing  soever  a  man  purposeth,  be  he 
prince  or  prelate,  yet  notwithstanding  God  disposeth  all  things 
at  his  will  and  pleasure.  Wherefore  it  is  great  folly  for  any 
wise  man  to  take  any  weighty  enterprise  of  himself,  trusting 
altogether  to  his  own  wit,  not  calling  for  grace  to  assist  him  in 
all  his  proceedings. 

I  have  known  and  seen  in  my  days  that  princes  and  great 
men  who  would  either  assemble  at  any  parliament,  or  in  other 
great  business,  first  would  most  reverently  call  to  God  for  his 
gracious  assistance  therein.  And  now  I  see  the  contrary. 
Wherefore  me  seems  that  they  trust  more  in  their  own  wis- 
doms and  imaginations  than  they  do  to  God's  help  and  dis- 
position ;  and  therefore  often  they  speed  thereafter,  and  their 
matters  take  such  success.  Therefore  not  only  in  this  history, 
but  in  divers  others,  ye  may  perceive  right  evident  examples. 
And  yet  I  see  na  man  in  authority  or  high  estate  almost,  re- 
gard or  have  any  respect  to  the  same;  the  greater  is  the  pity, 
and  the  more  to  be  lamented.  Now  will  I  desist  from  this 
matter  and  proceed  to  other. 

Upon  the  taking  of  the  French  king,  many  consultations 
and  divers  opinions  were  then  in  argument  among  the  coun- 
cil here  in  England.  Whereof  some  held  opinion  that  if 
the  king  would  invade  the  realm  of  France  in  proper  person, 
with  a  puissant  army  royal,  he  might  easily  conquer  the  same; 


Cartitnal  Wclst^  43 

considering  that  the  French  king,  and  the  most  part  of  the 
noble  peers  of  France,  were  then  prisoners  with  the  emperor. 
Some  again  said  how  that  were  no  honour  for  the  king  our 
sovereign  lord  (the  king  being  in  captivity).  But  some  said 
that  the  French  king  ought  by  the  law  of  arms  to  be  the  king's 
prisoner,  forasmuch  as  he  was  taken  by  the  king's  champion 
and  general  captain,  the  Duke  of  Bourbon,  and  not  by  the 
emperor.  So  that  some  moved  the  king  to  take  war  thereupon 
with  the  emperor,  unless  he  would  deliver  the  French  king 
out  of  his  hands  and  possession ;  with  divers  many  other  im- 
aginations and  inventions,  even  as  men's  fantasies  served  them, 
too  long  here  to  be  rehearsed:  the  which  I  leave  to  the  writers 
of  chronicles. 

Thus  continuing  long  in  debating  upon  the  matter,  and  every 
man  in  the  court  had  their  talk,  as  will  without  wit  led  their 
fantasies ;  at  the  last  it  was  devised  by  means  of  divers  ambas- 
sies  sent  into  England  out  of  the  realm  of  France,  desiring  the 
king  our  sovereign  lord  to  take  order  with  the  emperor  for  the 
French  king's  deliverance,  as  his  royal  wisdom  should  seem 
good,  wherein  the  cardinal  bare  the  stroke ;  so  that  after  long 
deliberation  and  advice  taken  in  this  matter,  it  was  thought 
good  by  the  cardinal  that  the  emperor  should  redeliver  out  of 
his  ward  the  French  king,  upon  sufficient  pledges ;  and  that 
the  king's  two  sons,  that  is  to  say  the  Dauphin  and  the  Duke 
of  Orleans,  should  be  delivered  in  hostage  for  the  king  their 
father ;  which  was  in  conclusion  brought  to  pass. 

After  the  king's  deliverance  out  of  the  emperor's  bondage, 
and  his  two  sons  received  in  hostage  to  the  emperor's  use,  and 
the  king  our  sovereign  lord's  security  for  the  recompense  of 
all  such  demands  and  restitutions  as  should  be  demanded  of 
the  French  king,  the  cardinal,  lamenting  the  French  king's 
calamity,  and  the  pope's  great  adversity,  who  yet  remained  in 
Castle  Angell,  either  as  a  prisoner,  or  else  for  his  defence  and 
safeguard,  I  cannot  tell  whether,  travailed  all  that  he  could 


44  %f)t  lELift  of 

with  the  king  and  his  council,  to  take  order  as  well  for  the 
delivery  of  the  one  as  for  the  quietness  of  the  other.  At  last, 
as  ye  have  heard  heretofore,  how  divers  of  the  great  estates 
and  lords  of  the  council  lay  in  a  wait  with  my  Lady  Anne 
Boleyn,  to  espy  a  convenient  time  and  occasion  to  take  the 
cardinal  in  a  brake ;  thought  it  then,  that  now  is  the  time 
come  that  we  have  expected,  supposing  it  best  to  cause  him 
to  take  upon  him  the  king's  commission,  and  to  travel  beyond 
the  seas  in  this  matter,  saying,  to  encourage  him  thereto,  that 
it  were  more  meet  for  his  high  discretion,  wit,  and  authority, 
to  compass  and  bring  to  pass  a  perfect  peace  among  these 
great  and  most  mighty  princes  of  the  world,  than  any  other 
within  this  realm  or  elsewhere.  Their  intent  and  purpose 
was  only  but  to  get  him  out  of  the  king's  daily  presence,  and 
to  convey  him  out  of  the  realm,  that  they  might  have  con- 
venient leisure  and  opportunity  to  adventure  their  long  de- 
sired enterprise,  and  by  the  aid  of  their  chief  mistress,  my  Lady 
Anne,  to  deprave  him  so  unto  the  king  in  his  absence,  that 
he  should  be  rather  in  his  high  displeasure  than  in  his  accus- 
tomed favour,  or  at  the  least  to  be  in  less  estimation  with  his 
majesty.  Well !  what  will  you  have  more  ?  This  matter  was  so 
handled  that  the  cardinal  was  commanded  to  prepare  him- 
self to  this  journey  ;  the  which  he  was  fain  to  take  upon  him  ; 
but  whether  it  was  with  his  good  will  or  no,  I  am  not  well 
able  to  tell  you.  But  this  I  know,  that  he  made  a  short  abode 
after  the  determinate  resolution  thereof,  but  caused  all  things 
to  be  prepared  onward  toward  his  journey,  and  every  one  of 
his  servants  were  appointed  that  should  attend  upon  him  in 
the  same. 

When  all  things  was  fully  concluded,  and  for  this  noble 
ambassy  provided  and  furnished,  then  was  no  let,  but  advance 
forwards  in  the  name  of  good.  My  Lord  Cardinal  had  with 
him  such  of  the  lords  and  bishops  and  other  worthy  persons  as 
were  not  privy  of  the  conspiracy. 


Cartiinal  WolQt^  45 

Then  marched  he  forward  out  of  his  own  house  at  West- 
minster, passing  through  all  London,  over  London  Bridge, 
having  before  him  of  gentlemen  a  great  number,  three  in  a 
rank,  in  black  velvet  livery  coats,  and  the  most  part  of  them 
with  great  chains  of  gold  about  their  necks,  and  all  his  yeo- 
men, with  noblemen's  and  gentlemen's  servants  following  him 
in  French  tawny  livery  coats ;  having  embroidered  upon  the 
backs  and  breasts  of  the  said  coats  these  letters :  T.  and  C, 
under  the  cardinal's  hat.  His  sumpter  mules,  which  were 
twenty  in  number  and  more,  with  his  carts  and  other  carriages 
of  his  train,  were  passed  on  before,  conducted  and  guarded  with 
a  great  number  of  bows  and  spears.  He  rode  like  a  cardinal, 
very  sumptuously,  on  a  mule  trapped  with  crimson  velvet  upon 
velvet,  and  his  stirrups  of  copper  and  gilt ;  and  his  spare  mule 
following  him  with  like  apparel.  And  before  him  he  had  his 
two  great  crosses  of  silver,  two  great  pillars  of  silver,  the  great 
seal  of  England,  his  cardinal's  hat,  and  a  gentleman  that  carried 
his  valaunce,  otherwise  called  a  cloakbag;  which  was  made 
altogether  of  fine  scarlet  cloth,  embroidered  over  and  over  with 
cloth  of  gold  very  richly,  having  in  it  a  cloak  of  fine  scarlet. 
Thus  passed  he  through  London,  and  all  the  way  of  his  jour- 
ney, having  his  harbingers  passing  before  to  provide  lodgings 
for  his  train. 

The  first  journey  he  made  to  Dartford  in  Kent,  unto  Sir 
Richard  Wiltshire's  house,  which  is  two  miles  beyond  Dart- 
ford  ;  where  all  his  train  were  lodged  that  night,  and  in  the 
country  thereabout.  The  next  day  he  rode  to  Rochester,  and 
lodged  in  the  bishop's  palace  there ;  and  the  rest  of  his  train  in 
the  city,  and  in  Stroud  on  this  side  the  bridge.  The  third  day 
he  rode  from  thence  to  Feversham,  and  there  was  lodged  in  the 
abbey,  and  his  train  in  the  town,  and  some  in  the  country  there- 
about. The  fourth  day  he  rode  to  Canterbury,  where  he  was 
encountered  with  the  worshipfullest  of  the  town  and  country, 
and  lodged  in  the  abbey  of  Christchurch,  in  the  prior's  lodg- 


46  Cf)e  iltfe  of 

ing,  and  all  his  train  in  the  city;  where  he  continued  three 
or  four  days;  in  which  time  there  was  the  great  jubilee,  and 
a  fair  in  honour  of  the  feast  of  St.  Thomas  their  patron.  In 
which  day  of  the  said  feast,  within  the  abbey  there  was  made 
a  solemn  procession ;  and  my  Lord  Cardinal  went  presently 
in  the  same,  apparelled  in  his  legantine  ornaments,  with  his 
cardinal's  hat  on  his  head ;  who  commanded  the  monks  and 
all  their  choir  to  sing  the  litany  after  this  sort,  Sancta  Maria 
ora  pro  papa  nostra  Ckmente;  and  so  perused  the  litany  through, 
my  Lord  Cardinal  kneeling  at  the  quire  door,  at  a  form  cov- 
ered with  carpets  and  cushions.  The  monks  and  all  the  quire 
standing  all  that  while  in  the  midst  of  the  body  of  the  church. 
At  which  time  I  saw  the  Lord  Cardinal  weep  very  tenderly ; 
which  was  as  we  supposed,  for  heaviness  that  the  pope  was  at 
that  present  in  such  calamity  and  great  danger  of  the  Lance 
Knights. 

The  next  day  I  was  sent  with  letters  from  my  Lord  Car- 
dinal unto  Calais,  by  empost,  insomuch  as  I  was  that  same 
night  at  Calais.  And  at  my  landing  I  found  standing  upon  the 
pier,  without  the  Lantern  Gate,  all  the  council  of  the  town, 
to  whom  I  delivered  and  despatched  my  message  and  letters 
or  ever  I  entered  the  town  ;  whereas  I  lay  two  days  after  or  my 
lord  came  thither ;  who  arrived  in  the  haven  there  two  days 
after  my  coming,  about  eight  of  the  clock  in  the  morning : 
where  he  was  received  in  procession  with  all  the  worshipfullest 
persons  of  the  town  in  most  solemnest  wise.  And  in  the  Lan- 
tern Gate  was  set  for  him  a  form,  with  carpets  and  cushions, 
whereat  he  kneeled  and  made  his  prayers  before  his  entry  any 
farther  in  the  town ;  and  there  he  was  censed  with  two  great 
censors  of  silver,  and  sprinkled  with  hale  water.  That  done 
he  arose  up  and  passed  on,  with  all  that  assembly  before  him, 
singing,  unto  St.  Mary's  church,  where  he  standing  at  the 
high  altar,  turning  himself  to  the  people,  gave  them  his  bene- 
diction and  clean  remission.    And  then  they  conducted  him 


Cattitnal  Wol&t^  47 

from  thence  unto  a  house  called  the  Checker,  where  he  lay 
and  kept  his  house  as  long  as  he  abode  in  the  town ;  going 
immediately  to  his  naked  bed,  because  he  was  somewhat 
troubled  with  sickness  in  his  passage  upon  the  seas. 

That  night,  unto  this  place  of  the  Checker,  resorted  to  him 
Mons.  du  Biez,  Captain  of  Boulogne,  with  a  number  of  gallant 
gentlemen,  who  dined  with  him  ;  and  after  some  consultation 
with  the  cardinal,  he  with  the  rest  of  the  gentlemen  departed 
again  to  Boulogne.  Thus  the  cardinal  was  daily  visited  with 
one  or  other  of  the  French  nobility. 

Then  when  all  his  train  and  his  carriages  were  landed  at 
Calais,  and  every  thing  prepared  in  a  readiness  for  his  journey, 
he  called  before  him  all  his  noblemen  and  gentlemen  into  his 
privy  chamber ;  where  they  being  assembled,  said  unto  them 
in  this  wise  in  effect :  '  I  have,'  quoth  he,  *  called  you  hither 
to  this  intent,  to  declare  unto  you,  that  I  considering  the  dili- 
gence that  ye  minister  unto  me,  and  the  good  will  that  I  bear 
you  again  for  the  same,  intending  to  remember  your  diligent 
service  hereafter,  in  place  where  ye  shall  receive  condign 
thanks  and  rewards.  And  also  I  would  show  you  further  what 
authority  I  have  received  directly  from  the  king's  highness ; 
and  to  instruct  you  somewhat  of  the  nature  of  the  French- 
men ;  and  then  to  inform  you  what  reverence  ye  shall  use 
unto  me  for  the  high  honour  of  the  king's  majesty,  and  also 
how  ye  shall  entertain  the  Frenchmen,  whensoever  ye  shall 
meet  at  any  time.  First,  ye  shall  understand  that  the  king's 
majesty,  upon  certain  weighty  considerations,  hath  for  the 
more  advancement  of  his  royal  dignity,  assigned  me  in  this 
journey  to  be  his  lieutenant-general ;  and  what  reverence  be- 
longeth  to  the  same  I  will  tell  you.  That  for  my  part  I  must, 
by  virtue  of  my  commission  of  lieutenantship,  assume  and  take 
upon  me,  in  all  honours  and  degrees,  to  have  all  such  service 
and  reverence  as  to  his  Highness'  presence  is  meet  and  due : 
and  nothing  thereof  to  be  neglected  or  omitted  by  me  that  to 


48  Ci)e?lifeof 

his  royal  estate  is  appurtenant.  And  for  my  part  ye  shall  see 
me  that  I  will  not  omit  one  jot  thereof.  Therefore,  because 
ye  shall  not  be  ignorant  in  that  behalf,  is  one  of  the  special 
causes  of  this  your  assembly,  willing  and  commanding  you 
as  ye  intend  my  favour  not  to  forget  the  same  in  time  and 
place,  but  every  of  you  do  observe  this  information  and  in- 
struction as  ye  will  at  my  return  avoid  the  king's  indignation, 
but  to  obtain  his  Highness'  thanks,  the  which  I  will  further 
for  you  as  ye  shall  deserve. 

•  Now  to  the  point  of  the  Frenchmen's  nature,  ye  shall 
understand  that  their  disposition  is  such,  that  they  will  be 
at  the  first  meeting  as  familiar  with  you  as  they  had  been  ac- 
quainted with  you  long  before,  and  commune  with  you  in  the 
French  tongue  as  though  ye  understood  every  word  they  spoke: 
therefore  in  like  manner,  be  ye  as  familiar  with  them  again  as 
they  be  with  you.  If  they  speak  to  you  in  the  French  tongue, 
speak  you  to  them  in  the  English  tongue ;  for  if  you  under- 
stand not  them,  they  shall  no  more  understand  you.'  And  my 
lord  speaking  merrily  to  one  of  the  gentlemen  there,  being 
a  Welshman :  *  Rice,'  quoth  he,  *  speak  thou  Welsh  to  him, 
and  I  am  well  assured  that  thy  Welsh  shall  be  more  diffuse 
to  him  than  his  French  shall  be  to  thee.'  And  then  quoth  he 
again  to  us  all :  '  Let  all  your  entertainment  and  behaviour 
be  according  to  all  gentleness  and  humanity,  that  it  may 
be  reported,  after  your  departure  from  them,  that  ye  be  gen- 
tlemen of  right  good  behaviour,  and  of  much  gentleness,  and 
that  ye  be  men  that  know  your  duty  to  your  sovereign  lord,  and 
to  your  master,  allowing  much  your  great  reverence.  Thus 
shall  ye  not  only  obtain  to  yourselves  great  commendation 
and  praise  for  the  same,  but  also  advance  the  honour  of  your 
prince  and  country.  Now  go  your  ways  admonished  of  all 
these  points,  and  prepare  yourselves  against  to-morrow,  for 
then  we  intend,  God  willing,  to  set  forward.'  And  thus,  we 
being  by  him  instructed  and  informed,  departed  to  our  lodg- 


Cattiinal  Wol&t^  49 

ings,  making  all  things  in  a  readiness  against  the  next  day  to 
advance  forth  with  my  lord. 

The  next  morrow,  being  Mary  Magdalen's  day,  all  things 
being  furnished,  my  Lord  Cardinal  rode  out  of  Calais  with 
such  a  number  of  black  velvet  coats  as  hath  not  been  seen 
with  an  ambassador.  All  the  spears  of  Calais,  Guines,  and 
Hammes,  were  there  attending  upon  him  in  that  journey,  in 
black  velvet  coats,  and  many  great  and  massy  chains  of  gold 
were  worn  there. 

Thus  passed  he  forth  with  three  gentlemen  in  a  rank, 
which  occupied  the  length  of  three  quarters  of  a  mile  or 
more,  having  all  his  accustomed  and  glorious  furniture  car- 
ried before  him,  even  as  I  before  have  rehearsed,  except  the 
broad  seal,  the  which  was  left  with  Doctor  Taylor,  in  Calais, 
then  Master  of  the  Rolls,  until  his  return.  Passing  thus  on 
his  way,  and  being  scant  a  mile  of  his  journey,  it  began  to 
rain  so  vehemently  that  I  have  not  seen  the  like  for  the  time  ; 
that  endured  until  we  came  to  Boulogne  ;  and  or  we  came  to 
Sandyngfeld,  the  Cardinal  of  Lorraine,  a  goodly  young  gen- 
tleman, encountered  my  lord,  and  received  him  with  great 
reverence  and  joy  ;  and  so  passed  forth  together,  until  they 
came  to  Sandyngfeld,  which  is  a  place  of  religion,  standing 
between  the  French,  English,  and  the  emperor's  dominions, 
being  neuter,  holding  of  neither  of  them.  And  being  come 
thither,  met  with  him  there  Le  Countie  Brion,  Captain  of 
Picardy,  with  a  great  number  of  men  of  arms,  as  Stradiots  and 
Albanois  with  others  standing  in  array,  in  a  great  piece  of 
oats,  all  in  harness,  upon  light  horses,  passing  with  my  lord, 
as  it  were  in  a  wing,  all  his  journey  through  Picardy  ;  for  my 
lord  somewhat  doubted  the  emperor,  lest  he  would  lay  an 
ambush  to  betray  him ;  for  which  cause  the  French  king 
commanded  them  to  await  upon  my  lord  for  the  assurance  of 
his  person  out  of  the  danger  of  his  enemies.  Thus  rode  he 
accompanied  until  he  came  to  the  town  of  Boulogne,  where 


so  Cjje  iCife  of 

he  was  encountered  within  a  mile  thereof,  with  the  worship- 
fullest  citizens  of  the  town,  having  among  them  a  learned 
man,  that  made  to  him  an  oration  in  Latin ;  unto  the  which 
my  lord  made  answer  semblably  in  Latin.  And  that  done, 
Mons.  du  Biez,  Captain  of  Boulogne,  with  the  retinue  there 
of  gentlemen,  met  him  on  horseback  ;  which  conveyed  him 
into  the  town  with  all  this  assembly,  until  he  came  to  the 
abbey  gate,  where  he  lighted  and  went  directly  into  the  church, 
and  made  his  prayers  before  the  image  of  our  Lady,  to  whom 
he  made  his  offering.  And  that  done,  he  gave  there  his  blessing 
to  the  people,  with  certain  days  of  pardon.  Then  went  he 
into  the  abbey  where  he  was  lodged,  and  his  train  were  lodged 
in  the  high  and  basse  towns. 

The  next  morning,  after  he  heard  mass,  he  rode  unto  Mon- 
treuil  sur  la  mer,  where  he  was  encountered  in  like  case  as  he 
was  the  day  before,  with  the  worshipfullest  of  the  town,  all 
in  one  livery,  having  one  learned  that  made  an  oration  before 
him  in  Latin,  whom  he  answered  in  like  manner  in  Latin; 
and  as  he  entered  into  the  town,  there  was  a  canopy  of  silk 
embroidered  with  the  letters  and  hat  that  was  on  the  servants' 
coats,  borne  over  him  by  the  most  persons  of  estimation  within 
the  town.  And  when  he  was  alighted  his  footmen  seized  the 
same  as  a  fee  due  to  their  office.  Now  was  there  made  divers 
pageants  for  joy  of  his  coming,  who  was  called  there,  and 
in  all  other  places  within  the  realm  of  France  as  he  travelled, 
Le  Cardinal  Pactfique  ;  and  in  Latin  Cardinalis  Pacificus,  who 
was  accompanied  all  that  night  with  divers  worthy  gentlemen 
of  the  country  thereabout. 

The  next  day  he  rode  towards  Abbeville,  where  he  was 
encountered  with  divers  gentlemen  of  the  town  and  country, 
and  so  conveyed  unto  the  town,  where  he  was  most  honourably 
received  with  pageants  of  divers  kinds,  wittily  and  costly  in- 
vented, standing  in  every  corner  of  the  streets  as  he  rode  through 
the  town;  having  a  like  canopy  borne  over  him,  being  of  more 


Cartiinal  Wol&t^  5  ^ 

richer  sort  than  the  other  at  Montreuil,  or  at  Boulogne  was ; 
they  brought  him  to  his  lodging,  which  was,  as  it  seemed,  a 
very  fair  house  newly  built  with  brick.  At  which  house  King 
Louis  married  my  Lady  Mary,  King  Harry  the  Eighth's  sis- 
ter ;  which  was  after  married  to  the  Duke  of  Suffolk,  Charles 
Brandon.  And  being  within,  it  was  in  manner  of  a  gallery,  yet 
notwithstanding  it  was  very  necessary.  In  this  house  my  lord 
remained  eight  or  ten  days ;  to  whom  resorted,  daily,  divers  of 
the  council  of  France,  feasting  them,  and  other  noblemen,  and 
gentlemen  that  accompanied  the  council,  both  at  dinners  and 
suppers. 

Then  when  the  time  came  that  he  should  depart  from 
thence,  he  rode  to  a  castle  beyond  the  waters  of  Somme,  called 
Picquigny  Castle,  adjoining  unto  the  said  water,  standing  upon 
a  great  rock  or  hill,  within  the  which  was  a  goodly  college  of 
priests;  the  situation  whereof  was  most  like  unto  the  Castle  of 
Windsor  in  England ;  and  there  he  was  received  with  a  solemn 
procession,  conveying  him  first  into  the  church,  and  after  unto 
his  lodging  within  the  castle.  At  this  castle  King  Edward  the 
Fourth  met  with  the  French  king,  upon  the  bridge  that  goeth 
over  the  water  of  Somme,  as  ye  may  read  in  the  chronicles  of 
England. 

When  my  lord  was  settled  within  his  lodging,  it  was  re- 
ported unto  me  that  the  French  king  should  come  that  day 
into  Amiens,  which  was  within  six  English  miles  of  Picquigny 
Castle;  and  being  desirous  to  see  his  first  coming  into  the  town, 
axed  licence  and  took  with  me  one  or  two  gentlemen  of  my 
lord's,  and  rode  incontinent  thither,  as  well  to  provide  me  of 
a  necessary  lodging  as  to  see  the  king.  And  when  we  came 
thither,  being  but  strangers,  took  up  our  inn  (for  the  time)  at 
the  sign  of  the  Angel,  directly  against  the  west  door  of  the  cath- 
edral church  de  notre  Dame  Sainte  Marie.  And  after  we  had 
dined  there,  and  tarrying  until  three  or  four  of  clock,  expect- 
ing the  king's  coming,  in  came  Madame  Regent,  the  king's 


5  2  Cj)e  ilife  of 

mother,  riding  in  a  very  rich  chariot;  and  in  the  same  with  her 
was  her  daughter,  the  Queen  of  Navarre,  furnished  w^ith  an 
hundred  ladies  and  gentlewomen  or  more  following,  riding 
upon  white  palfreys ;  over  and  besides  divers  other  ladies  and 
gentlewomen,  that  rode  some  in  rich  chariots,  and  some  in 
horse  litters;  who  lighted  at  the  west  door  with  all  this  train, 
accompanied  with  many  other  noblemen  and  gentlemen  be- 
sides her  guard,  which  was  not  small  in  number.  Then,  within 
two  hours  after,  the  king  came  into  the  town  with  a  great  shot 
of  guns  and  divers  pageants,  made  for  the  nonce  at  the  king's 
bien  venue;  having  about  his  person  both  before  him  and  behind 
him,  besides  the  wonderful  number  of  noblemen  and  gentle- 
men, three  great  guards  diversely  apparelled.  The  first  was 
of  Switzers  and  Burgonyons,  with  guns  and  half  hakkes.  The 
second  was  of  Frenchmen,  some  with  bows  and  arrows,  and 
some  with  bills.  The  third  guard  was  pour  le  corps,  which  was 
of  tall  Scots,  much  more  comelier  persons  than  all  the  rest. 
The  French  guard  and  the  Scots  had  all  one  livery,  which  ware 
rich  coats  of  fine  white  cloth,  with  a  guard  of  silver  bullions 
embroidered  an  handful  broad.  The  king  came  riding  upon 
a  goodly  genet,  and  lighted  at  the  west  door  of  the  said  church, 
and  so  conveyed  into  the  church  up  to  the  high  altar,  where  he 
made  his  prayers  upon  his  knees,  and  then  conveyed  into  the 
bishop's  palace,  where  he  was  lodged,  and  also  his  mother. 

The  next  morning  I  rode  again  to  Picquigny  to  attend 
upon  my  lord,  at  which  time  my  lord  was  ready  to  take  his 
mule  towards  Amiens ;  and  passing  on  his  journey  thitherward, 
he  was  encountered  from  place  to  place  with  divers  noble  and 
worthy  personages,  making  to  him  divers  orations  in  Latin, 
to  whom  he  made  answer  again  extempore;  at  whose  excellent 
learning  and  pregnant  wit  they  wondered  very  much.  Then 
was  word  brought  my  lord  that  the  king  was  coming  to  en- 
counter him;  with  that,  he  having  none  other  shift,  was  com- 
pelled to  alight  in  an  old  chapel  that  stood  by  the  highway. 


</y/'//    ■    '////'/■  f//fr/     I    '/////■//.)  ■    ^ )  *fr  /fr//'j/ 


Cartitnal  Wol^t^  53 

and  there  newly  apparelled  him  into  more  richer  apparel; 
and  then  mounted  upon  a  new  mule  very  richly  trapped,  with 
a  footcloth  and  trapper  of  crimson  velvet  upon  velvet,  purled 
with  gold,  and  fringed  about  with  a  deep  fringe  of  gold,  very 
costly,  his  stirrups  of  silver  and  gilt,  the  bosses  and  cheeks  of 
his  bridle  of  the  same.  And  by  that  time  that  he  was  mounted 
again  after  this  most  gorgeous  sort,  the  king  was  come  very 
near,  within  less  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile  English,  mustering 
upon  an  hill  side,  his  guard  standing  in  array  along  the  same, 
expecting  my  lord's  coming;  to  whom  my  lord  made  as  much 
haste  as  conveniently  it  became  him ;  until  he  came  within 
a  pair  of  butt  lengths,  and  there  he  staid  a  while.  The  king 
perceiving  that,  stood  still;  and  having  two  worthy  gentlemen 
young  and  lusty  with  him,  being  both  brethren,  and  brethren 
to  the  Duke  of  Lorraine,  and  to  the  Cardinal  of  Lorraine ; 
whereof  one  of  them  was  called  Monsieur  de  Guise,  and  the 
other  Monsieur  Vaudemont ;  they  were  both  apparelled  like 
the  king,  in  purple  velvet  lined  with  cloth  of  silver,  and  their 
coats  cut,  the  king  caused  Monsieur  Vaudemont  to  issue  from 
him,  and  to  ride  unto  my  lord  to  know  the  cause  of  his  tract- 
ing :  who  rode  upon  a  fair  courser,  taking  his  pace  in  a  full 
gallop,  even  until  he  came  unto  my  lord ;  and  there  caused 
his  horse  to  come  aloft  once  or  twice  so  nigh  my  lord's  mule 
that  he  was  in  doubt  of  his  horse ;  and  with  that  he  lighted 
from  his  courser,  and  doing  his  message  to  my  lord  with  hum- 
ble reverence ;  which  done,  he  mounted  again,  and  caused  his 
horse  to  do  the  same  at  his  departing  as  he  did  before,  and  so 
repaired  again  to  the  king;  and, after  his  answer  made, the  king 
advanced  forward.  That  seeing,  my  lord  did  the  like,  and  in 
the  midway  they  met,  embracing  each  other  on  horseback,  with 
most  amiable  countenance  entertaining  each  other  right  nobly. 
Then  drew  into  the  place  all  noblemen  and  gentlemen  on  both 
sides,  with  wonderful  cheer  made  one  to  another,  as  they  had 
been  of  an  old  acquaintance.  The  press  was  such  and  so  thick. 


54  Cfje  ilife  of 

that  divers  had  their  legs  hurt  with  horses.    Then  the  king  s 
officers  cried  '  Marc  he,  marc  he,  devant,  allez  devant.'   And  the 
king,  and  my  Lord  Cardinal  on  his  right  hand,  rode  together  to 
Amiens,  every  English  gentleman  accompanied  with  another 
of  France.  The  train  of  French  and  English  endured  two  long 
miles,  that  is  to  say  from  the  place  of  their  encounter  unto 
Amiens;  where  they  were  very  nobly  received  with  shot  of 
guns  and  costly  pageants,  until  the  king  had  brought  my  lord 
unto  his  lodging,  and  there  departed  asunder  for  that  night,  the 
king  being  lodged  in  the  bishop's  palace.    The  next  day  after 
dinner,  my  lord  with  a  great  train  of  noblemen  and  gentlemen 
of  England,  rode  unto  the  king's  court;  at  which  time  the  king 
kept  his  bed,  being  somewhat  diseased,  yet  notwithstanding 
my  lord  came  into  his  bedchamber,  where  sat  on  the  one 
side  of  his  bed  his  mother,  Madame  Regent,  and  on  the  other 
side  the  Cardinal  of  Lorraine,  with  divers  other  noblemen 
of  France.    And  after  a  short  communication,  and  drinking 
of  a  cup  of  wine  with  the  king's  mother,  my  lord  departed 
again  to  his  lodging,  accompanied  with  divers  gentlemen  and 
noblemen  of  France,  who  supped  with  him.    Thus  continued 
the  king  and  my  lord  in  Amiens  the  space  of  two  weeks  and 
more,  consulting  and  feasting  each  other  divers  times.    And 
in  the  feast  of  the  Assumption  of  our  Lady,  my  lord  rose  be- 
times and  went  to  the  cathedral  church  de  notre  Dame,  and 
there  before  my  Lady  Regent  and  the  Queen  of  Navarre,  in 
our  Lady  Chapel,  he  said  his  service  and  mass;  and  after  mass, 
he  himself  ministered  the  sacrament  unto  my  Lady  Regent 
and  to  the  Queen  of  Navarre.    And  that  done,  the  king  resort- 
ed unto  the  church,  and  was  conveyed  into  a  rich  travers  at 
the  high  altar's  end ;  and  directly  against  him,  on  the  other 
side  of  the  altar,  sat  my  Lord  Cardinal  in  another  rich  travers, 
three  gresses  higher  than  the  king's.    And  at  the  altar,  before 
them  both,  a  bishop  sang  high  mass,  and  at  the  fraction  of 
the   host,  the  same  bishop   divided  the  sacrament  between 


Cartiinal  Wolst^  5S 

the  king  and  the  cardinal,  for  the  performance  of  the  peace 
concluded  between  them ;  which  mass  was  sung  solemnly  by 
the  king's  chapel,  having  among  them  cornets  and  sackbuts. 
And  after  mass  was  done  the  trumpeters  blew  in  the  roodeloft 
until  the  king  was  past  inward  to  his  lodging  out  of  the  church. 
And  at  his  coming  into  the  bishop's  palace,  where  he  intended 
to  dine  with  my  Lord  Cardinal,  there  sat,  within  a  cloister, 
about  two  hundred  persons  diseased  with  the  king's  evil,  upon 
their  knees.  And  the  king,  or  ever  he  went  to  dinner,  provised 
every  of  them  with  rubbing  and  blessing  them  with  his  bare 
hands,  being  bareheaded  all  the  while;  after  whom  followed  his 
almoner  distributing  of  money  unto  the  persons  diseased.  And 
that  done  he  said  certain  prayers  over  them,  and  then  washed 
his  hands,  and  so  came  up  into  his  chamber  to  dinner,  where 
as  my  lord  dined  with  him. 

Then  it  was  determined  that  the  king  and  my  lord  should 
remove  out  of  Amiens,  and  so  they  did,  to  a  town  or  city  called 
Compiegne,  which  was  more  than  twenty  English  miles  from 
thence;  unto  which  town  I  was  sent  to  prepare  my  lord's  lodg- 
ing. And  as  I  rode  on  my  journey,  being  upon  a  Friday,  my 
horse  chanced  to  cast  a  shoe  in  a  little  village,  where  stood  a  fair 
castle.  And  as  it  chanced  there  dwelt  a  smith,  to  whom  I  com- 
manded my  servant  to  carry  my  horse  to  shoe,  and  standing  by 
him  while  my  horse  was  a  shoeing,  there  came  to  me  one  of 
the  servants  of  the  castle,  perceiving  me  to  be  the  cardinal's 
servant  and  an  Englishman,  who  required  me  to  go  with  him 
into  the  castle  to  my  lord  his  master,  whom  he  thought  would 
be  very  glad  of  my  coming  and  company.  To  whose  request 
I  granted,  because  that  I  was  always  desirous  to  see  and  be 
acquainted  with  strangers,  in  especial  with  men  in  honour  and 
authority,  so  I  went  with  him ;  who  conducted  me  unto  the 
castle,  and  being  entered  in  the  first  ward,  the  watchmen  of 
that  ward,  being  very  honest  tall  men,  came  and  saluted  me 
most  reverently,  and  knowing  the  cause  of  my  coming,  desired 


56  C|)e  %ift  of 

me  to  stay  a  little  while  until  they  had  advertised  my  lord  their 
master  of  my  being  there;  and  so  I  did.  And  incontinent  the 
lord  of  the  castle  came  out  to  me,  who  was  called  Monsieur 
Crequi,  a  nobleman  born,  and  very  nigh  of  blood  to  King 
Louis,  the  last  king  that  reigned  before  this  King  Francis. 
And  at  his  first  coming  he  embraced  me,  saying  that  I  was  right 
heartily  welcome,  and  thanked  me  that  I  so  gently  would  visit 
him  and  his  castle,  saying  furthermore  that  he  was  preparing 
to  encounter  the  king  and  my  lord,  to  desire  them  most  hum-  ~ 
bly  the  next  day  to  take  his  castle  in  their  way,  if  he  could  so 
entreat  them.  And  true  it  is  that  he  was  ready  to  ride  in  a  coat 
of  velvet  with  a  pair  of  velvet  arming  shoes  on  his  feet,  and 
a  pair  of  gilt  spurs  on  his  heels.  Then  he  took  me  by  the  hand, 
and  most  gently  led  me  into  his  castle,  through  another  ward. 
And  being  once  entered  into  the  base  court  of  the  castle,  I  saw 
all  his  family  and  household  servants  standing  in  goodly  order, 
in  black  coats  and  gowns,  like  mourners,  who  led  me  into  the 
hall,  which  was  hanged  with  hand-guns,  as  thick  as  one  could 
hang  by  another  upon  the  walls;  and  in  the  hall  stood  an  hawk's 
perch,  whereon  stood  three  or  four  fair  goshawks.  Then  went 
we  into  the  parlour,  which  was  hanged  with  fine  old  arras,  and 
being  there  but  a  while,  communing  together  of  my  Lord  of 
Sufl^olk,  how  he  was  there  to  have  besieged  the  same,  his  serv- 
ants brought  to  him  bread,  and  wine  of  divers  sorts,  whereof 
he  caused  me  to  drink.  And  after,  quoth  he,  *  I  will  show  you 
the  strength  of  my  house,  how  hard  it  would  have  been  for 
my  Lord  of  Suffolk  to  have  won  it.*  Then  led  he  me  upon  the 
walls,  which  was  very  strong,  more  than  fifteen  foot  thick,  and 
well  garnished  with  battery  pieces  of  ordnance  ready  charged 
to  shoot  off  against  the  king  and  my  lord's  coming. 

When  he  had  showed  me  all  the  walls  and  bulwarks  about 
the  castle,  he  descended  from  the  walls,  and  came  down  into 
a  fair  inner  court,  where  his  genet  stood  for  to  mount  upon,  with 
twelve  other  genets,  the  most  fairest  beasts  that  ever  I  saw,  and 


Carttnal  Wol&t^  si 

in  especial  his  own,  which  was  a  mare  genet.  He  showed  me 
that  he  might  have  had  for  her  four  hundred  crowns.  But  upon 
the  other  twelve  genets  were  mounted  twelve  goodly  young 
gentlemen,  called  pages  of  honour;  all  bareheaded  in  coats  of 
cloth  of  gold,  and  black  velvet  cloaks,  and  on  their  legs  boots 
of  red  Spanish  leather,  and  spurs  parcel-gilt. 

Then  he  took  his  leave  of  me,  commanding  his  steward  and 
other  his  gentlemen  to  attend  upon  me,  and  conduct  me  unto 
my  lady  his  wife  to  dinner.  And  that  done  he  mounted  upon  his 
genet,  and  took  his  journey  forth  out  of  his  castle.  And  then 
the  steward,  with  the  rest  of  the  gentlemen,  led  me  up  into 
a  tower  in  the  gatehouse,  where  then  my  lady  their  mistress 
lay,  for  the  time  that  the  king  and  my  lord  should  tarry  there. 

I  being  in  a  fair  great  dining  chamber,  where  the  table  was 
covered  to  dinner,  and  there  I  attending  my  lady's  coming. 
And  after  she  came  thither  out  of  her  own  chamber,  she  re- 
ceived me  most  gently,  like  a  noble  estate,  having  a  train  of 
twelve  gentlewomen.  And  when  she  with  her  train  came  all 
out,  she  said  to  me,  *  Forasmuch,'  quoth  she,  '  as  ye  be  an  Eng- 
lishman, whose  custom  is  in  your  country  to  kiss  all  ladies  and 
gentlewomen  without  offence,  and  although  it  be  not  so  here 
in  this  realm,  yet  will  I  be  so  bold  to  kiss  you,  and  so  shall  all 
my  maidens.'  By  means  whereof  I  kissed  my  lady  and  all  her 
women.  Then  went  she  to  her  dinner,  being  as  nobly  served  as 
I  have  seen  any  of  her  estate  here  in  England,  having  all  the 
dinner  time  with  me  pleasant  communication,  which  was  of 
the  usage  and  behaviour  of  our  gentlewomen  and  gentlemen  of 
England,  and  commended  much  the  behaviour  of  them,  right 
excellently;  for  she  was  with  the  king  at  Ardres,  when  the  great 
encounter  and  meeting  was  between  the  French  king  and  the 
king  our  sovereign  lord:  at  which  time  she  was,  both  for  her 
person  and  goodly  behaviour,  appointed  to  company  with  the 
ladies  of  England.  And  to  be  short,  after  dinner,  pausing  a  little, 
I  took  my  leave  of  her,  and  so  departed  and  rode  on  my  journey. 


5  8  Cfjc  Hife  of 

I  passed  so  forth  on  my  journey  by  reason  of  my  tracting  of 
my  time  inChastel  de  Crequi,that  I  was  constrained  that  night 
to  lie  in  a  town  by  the  way,  called  Montdidier,  the  suburbs 
whereof  my  Lord  of  Suffolk  had  lately  burned.  And  in  the  next 
morning  I  took  my  journey  and  came  to  Compiegne  upon  the 
Saturday,  then  being  there  the  chief  market  day ;  and  at  my 
first  coming  I  took  mine  inn  in  the  midst  of  the  market-place, 
and  being  there  set  at  dinner  in  a  fair  chamber,  that  had  a  fair 
window  looking  into  the  street,  I  heard  a  great  rumour  and 
clattering  of  bills.  With  that  I  looked  out  into  the  street,  and 
there  I  espied  where  the  officers  of  the  town  brought  a  pris- 
oner to  execution,  whose  head  they  strake  off  with  a  sword. 
And  when  I  demanded  the  cause  of  his  offence,  it  was  answered 
me,  that  it  was  for  killing  of  a  red  deer  in  the  forest  thereby, 
the  punishment  whereof  is  but  death.  Incontinent  they  had 
set  up  the  poor  man's  head  upon  a  pole  in  the  market-place, 
between  the  stags  horns  ;  and  his  quarters  in  four  parts  of  the 
forest. 

Then  went  I  about  to  prepare  my  lord's  lodging,  and  to  see 
it  furnished,  which  was  there  in  the  great  castle  of  the  town, 
whereof  to  my  lord  was  assigned  the  one  half,  and  the  other 
half  was  reserved  for  the  king;  and  in  like  wise  there  was  a 
long  gallery  divided  between  them,  wherein  was  made  in  the 
midst  thereof  a  strong  wall  with  a  door  and  window,  and  there 
the  king  and  my  lord  would  many  times  meet  at  the  same 
window,  and  secretly  talk  together,  and  divers  times  they  would 
go  the  one  to  the  other,  at  the  said  door. 

Now  was  there  lodged  also  Madame  Regent,  the  king's 
mother,  and  all  her  train  of  ladies  and  gentlewomen.  Unto 
which  place  the  Chancellor  of  France  came,  a  very  witty  man, 
with  all  the  king's  grave  counsellors,  who  took  great  pains 
daily  in  consultation;  insomuch  as  I  heard  my  Lord  Cardinal 
fall  out  with  the  Chancellor,  laying  unto  his  charge,  that  he 
went  about  to  hinder  the  league  which  my  said  Lord  Cardinal 


Cardinal  Wolst^  59 

had  before  his  coming  concluded  between  the  king  our  sove- 
reign lord  and  the  French  king  his  master ;  insomuch  that  my 
lord  stomached  the  matter  very  stoutly,  and  told  him,  *  That 
it  should  not  lie  in  his  power  to  dissolve  the  amiable  fidelity 
between  them.  And  if  his  master  the  king  being  there  present 
forsook  his  promise  and  followed  his  counsel,  he  should  not  fail 
after  his  return  into  England  to  feel  the  smart,  and  what  a  thing 
it  is  to  break  promise  with  the  King  of  England,  whereof  he 
should  be  well  assured.'  And  therewithal  he  arose  and  went 
into  his  own  lodging,  wonderfully  offended.  So  that  his  stout 
countenance,  and  bold  words,  made  them  all  in  doubt  how  to 
pacify  his  displeasure,  and  revoke  him  again  to  the  council, 
who  was  then  departed  in  a  fury.  There  was  sending,  there  was 
coming,  there  was  also  intreating,  and  there  was  great  sub- 
mission made  to  him,  to  reduce  him  to  his  former  friendly 
communication ;  who  would  in  no  wise  relent  until  Madame 
Regent  came  herself,  who  handled  the  matter  so  discreetly  and 
wittily,  that  she  reconciled  him  to  his  former  communication. 
And  by  that  means  he  brought  other  matters  to  pass,  that  before 
he  could  not  attain,  nor  cause  the  council  to  grant;  which  was 
more  for  fear,  than  for  any  affection  to  the  matter.  He  had  the 
heads  of  all  the  council  so  under  his  girdle  that  he  might  rule 
them  all  there  as  well  as  he  might  the  council  of  England. 

The  next  morning  after  this  conflict,  he  rose  early,  about 
four  of  the  clock,  sitting  down  to  write  letters  into  England 
unto  the  king,  commanding  one  of  his  chaplains  to  prepare 
him  to  mass,  insomuch  that  his  said  chaplain  stood  revested 
until  four  of  the  clock  at  afternoon  ;  all  which  season  my  lord 
never  rose  once  to  piss,  nor  yet  to  eat  any  meat,  but  continu- 
ally wrote  his  letters,  with  his  own  hands,  having  all  that  time 
his  nightcap  and  keverchief  on  his  head.  And  about  four  of 
the  clock,  at  afternoon,  he  made  an  end  of  writing,  command- 
ing one  Christopher  Gunner,  the  king's  servant,  to  prepare  him 
without  delay  to  ride  empost  into  England  with  his  letters, 


6o  Cfje  Hife  of 

whom  he  dispatched  away  or  ever  he  drank.  And  that  done, 
he  went  to  mass,  and  said  his  other  divine  service  with  his  chap- 
lain, as  he  was  accustomed  to  do;  and  then  went  straight  into 
a  garden ;  and  after  he  had  walked  the  space  of  an  hour  or  more, 
and  there  said  his  evensong,  he  went  to  dinner  and  supper  all 
at  once;  and  making  a  small  repast,  he  went  to  his  bed,  to  take 
his  rest  for  that  night. 

The  next  night  following  he  caused  a  great  supper  to  be 
provided  for  Madame  Regent,  and  the  Queen  of  Navarre,  and 
other  great  estates  of  ladies  and  noble  women. 

There  was  also  Madame  Renee,  one  of  the  daughters  of 
King  Louis,  whose  sister  King  Francis  had  married,  lately 
dead.  These  sisters  were,  by  their  mother,  inheritrices  of  the 
Duchy  of  Britanny,  and  forasmuch  as  the  king  had  married  one 
of  the  sisters,  by  whom  he  had  the  moiety  of  the  said  duchy, 
and  to  attain  the  other  moiety,  and  so  to  be  lord  of  the  whole, 
he  kept  the  said  Lady  Renee  without  marriage,  intending  that, 
she  having  none  issue,  the  whole  duchy  might  descend  to  him, 
or  to  his  succession,  after  her  death,  for  want  of  issue  of  her 
body. 

But  now  let  us  return  again  to  the  supper  or  rather  a  solemn 
banquet,  where  all  these  noble  persons  were  highly  feasted; 
and  in  the  midst  of  their  triumph,  the  French  king,  with  the 
King  of  Navarre,  came  suddenly  in  upon  them  unknown,  who 
took  their  places  at  the  nether  end  of  the  table.  There  was  not 
only  plenty  of  fine  meats,  but  also  much  mirth  and  solace,  as 
well  in  communication  as  in  instruments  of  music  set  forth  with 
my  lord's  minstrels,  who  played  there  so  cunningly  and  dulce 
all  that  night,  that  the  king  took  therein  great  pleasure,  inso- 
much that  he  desired  my  lord  to  lend  them  unto  him  the  next 
night.  And  after  supper  and  banquet  finished,  the  ladies  and 
gentlewomen  went  to  dancing;  among  whom  one  Madame 
Fountaine,  a  maid,  had  the  prize.  And  thus  passed  they  the 
night  in  pleasant  mirth  and  joy. 


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'J'W^f^  "^^^  tV^/fo  'w^tt  £305--^  <WW^^  <^^^^  ^^  ' 


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^eu('./-  J'rc*r/iy<yL»'?tri/   1/77 


Cartiinal  3^olsiep  6i 

The  next  day  the  king  took  my  lord's  minstrels  and  rode 
unto  a  nobleman's  house,  where  was  some  goodly  image  that 
he  had  avowed  a  pilgrimage  unto,  to  perform  his  devotion. 
When  he  came  there,  he  danced,  and  others  with  him,  the  most 
part  of  that  night.  My  lord's  minstrels  played  there  so  excel- 
lently all  that  night,  that  the  shalme,  (whether  it  were  with 
extreme  labour  of  blowing,  or  with  poisoning,  as  some  judged, 
because  they  were  more  commended  and  accepted  with  the 
king  than  his  own,  I  cannot  tell,)  but  he  that  played  upon  the 
shalme,  an  excellent  man  in  that  art,  died  within  a  day  or  twain 
after. 

Then  the  king  returned  again  unto  Compiegne,and  caused  a 
wild  boar  to  be  lodged  for  him  in  the  forest  there;  whither  my 
lord  rode  with  the  king  to  the  hunting  of  the  wild  swine  within 
a  toil;  where  the  Lady  Regent  stood  in  chariots  or  wagons, 
looking  over  the  toil,  on  the  outside  thereof,  accompanied  with 
many  ladies  and  damosels ;  among  whom  my  lord  stood  by  the 
Lady  Regent,  to  regard  and  behold  the  pastime  and  manner  of 
hunting.  There  was  within  the  toil  divers  goodly  gentlemen 
with  the  king,  ready  garnished  to  this  high  enterprise  and  dan- 
gerous hunting  of  the  perilous  wild  swine.  The  king  being 
in  his  doublet  and  hosen  only,  without  any  other  garments,  all 
of  sheep's  colour  cloth;  his  hosen,  from  the  knee  upward,  was 
altogether  thrummed  with  silk  very  thick  of  the  same  colour: 
having  in  a  slip  a  fair  brace  of  great  white  greyhounds,  armed, 
as  the  manner  is  to  arm  their  greyhounds,  from  the  violence 
of  the  boar's  tusks.  And  all  the  rest  of  the  king's  gentlemen, 
being  appointed  to  hunt  this  boar,  were  likewise  in  their  doub- 
lets, and  hosen,  holding  each  of  them  in  their  hands  a  very 
sharp  boar's  spear. 

The  king  being  thus  furnished,  commanded  the  hunts  to 
uncouch  the  boar,  and  that  every  other  person  should  go  to 
a  standing,  among  whom  were  divers  gentlemen  and  yeomen 
of  England  :   and  incontinent  the  boar  issued  out  of  his  den. 


62  %fit  Hife  of 

chased  with  an  hound  into  the  plain,  and  being  there,  stalled 
a  while  gazing  upon  the  people,  and  incontinent  being  forced 
by  the  hound,  he  espied  a  little  bush  standing  upon  a  bank 
over  a  ditch,  under  the  which  lay  two  lusty  gentlemen  of 
France,  and  thither  fled  the  boar,  to  defend  him,  thrusting  his 
head  snuffing  into  the  same  bush  where  these  two  gentlemen 
lay,  who  fled  with  such  speed  as  men  do  from  the  danger  of 
death.  Then  was  the  boar  by  violence  and  pursuit  of  the  hounds 
and  the  hunts  driven  from  thence,  and  ran  straight  to  one  of 
my  lord's  footmen,  a  very  comely  person,  and  an  hardy,  who 
held  in  his  hand  an  English  javelin,  with  the  which  he  was 
fain  to  defend  himself  from  the  fierce  assault  of  the  boar,  who 
foined  at  him  continually  with  his  great  tusks,  whereby  he  was 
compelled  at  the  last  to  pitch  his  javelin  in  the  ground  between 
him  and  the  boar,  the  which  the  boar  brake  with  his  force  of 
foining.  And  with  that  the  yeoman  drew  his  sword,  and  stood 
at  defence;  and  with  that  the  hunts  came  to  the  rescue,  and  put 
him  once  again  to  flight.  With  that  he  fled  and  ran  to  another 
young  gentleman  of  England,  called  Master  RatclifFe,  son  and 
heir  to  the  Lord  Fitzwalter,  and  after  Earl  of  Sussex,  who  by 
chance  had  borrowed  of  a  French  gentleman  a  fine  boar  spear, 
very  sharp,  upon  whom,  the  boar  being  sore  chafed,  began  to  as- 
sault very  eagerly,  and  theyoung  gentleman  deliver ly  avoided  his 
strokes,  and  in  turning  about  he  struck  the  boar  with  violence, 
with  the  same  spear  that  he  had  borrowed,  upon  the  houghs, 
that  he  cut  the  sinews  of  both  his  legs  at  one  stroke,  that  the 
boar  was  constrained  to  sit  down  upon  his  haunches  and  defend 
himself,  for  he  could  go  no  more  ;  this  gentleman  perceiving 
then  his  most  advantage,  thrust  his  spear  into  the  boar  under 
the  shoulder  up  to  the  heart,  and  thus  he  slew  the  great  boar. 
Wherefore  among  the  noblemen  of  France  it  was  reputed  to  be 
one  of  the  noblest  enterprises  that  a  man  might  do,  as  though 
he  had  slain  a  man  of  arms ;  and  thus  our  Master  Ratcliffe  bare 
then  away  the  prize  of  that  feat  of  hunting,  this  dangerous 


Cattiinal  WolQt^  63 

and  royal  pastime,  in  killing  of  the  wild  boar,  whose  tusks 
the  Frenchman  doth  most  commonly  doubt  above  all  other 
dangers,  as  it  seemed  to  us  Englishmen  then  being  present. 

In  this  time  of  my  lord's  being  in  France,  over  and  besides 
his  noble  entertainment  with  the  king  and  nobles,  he  sus- 
tained divers  displeasures  of  the  French  slaves,  that  devised 
a  certain  book,  which  was  set  forth  in  divers  articles  upon  the 
causes  of  my  lord's  being  there :  which  should  be,  as  they 
surmised,  that  my  lord  was  come  thither  to  conclude  two 
marriages ;  the  one  between  the  king  our  sovereign  lord  and 
Madame  Renee,  of  whom  I  spake  heretofore  ;  and  the  other 
between  the  princess  then  of  England,  now  being  queen  of 
this  realm,  my  Lady  Mary  the  king's  daughter,  and  the  French 
king's  second  son,  the  Duke  of  Orleans,  who  is  at  this  present 
king  of  France :  with  divers  other  conclusions  and  agreements 
touching  the  same.  Of  this  book  many  were  imprinted  and 
conveyed  into  England,  unknown  to  my  lord,  being  then  in 
France,  to  the  great  slander  of  the  realm  of  England,  and  of 
my  Lord  Cardinal.  But  whether  they  were  devised  of  policy 
to  pacify  the  mutterings  of  the  people,  which  had  divers  com- 
munications and  imaginations  of  my  lord's  being  there  ;  or 
whether  it  were  devised  of  some  malicious  person,  as  the  dis- 
position of  the  common  people  are  accustomed  to  do,  upon 
such  secret  consultations,  I  know  not :  but  whatsoever  the  oc- 
casion or  cause  was,  the  author  hath  set  forth  such  books,  this 
I  am  well  assured,  that  after  my  lord  was  thereof  well  adver- 
tised, and  had  perused  one  of  the  same  books,  he  was  not  a  little 
offended,  and  assembled  all  the  privy  council  of  France  together, 
to  whom  he  spake  his  mind  thus ;  saying,  that  it  was  not  only 
a  suspicion  in  them,  but  also  a  great  rebuke  and  a  defamation 
to  the  king's  honour  to  see  and  know  any  such  seditious  un- 
truths openly  divulged  and  set  forth  by  any  malicious  and  subtle 
traitor  of  this  realm;  saying  furthermore,  that  if  the  like  had 
been  attempted  within  the  realm  of  England,  he  doubted  not 


64  C|)e  Hife  of 

but  to  see  it  punished  according  to  the  traitorous  demeanour 
and  deserts.    Notwithstanding  I  saw  but  small  redress. 

So  this  was  one  of  the  displeasures  that  the  Frenchmen 
showed  him,  for  all  his  pains  and  travail  that  he  took  for 
qualifying  of  their  king's  ransom. 

Also  another  displeasure  was  this.  There  was  no  place 
where  he  was  lodged  after  he  entered  the  territory  of  France, 
but  that  he  was  robbed  in  his  privy  chamber,  either  of  one  thing 
or  other ;  and  at  Compiegne  he  lost  his  standish  of  silver  and 
gilt :  and  there  it  was  espied,  and  the  party  taken,  which  was 
but  a  little  boy  of  twelve  or  thirteen  years  of  age,  a  ruffian's 
page  of  Paris,  which  haunted  my  lord's  lodging  without  any 
suspicion,  until  he  was  taken  lying  under  my  lord's  privy 
stairs  ;  upon  which  occasion  he  was  apprehended  and  exam- 
ined, and  incontinent  confessed  all  things  that  was  missed, 
which  he  stole,  and  brought  to  his  master  the  ruffian,  who 
received  the  same,  and  procured  him  so  to  do.  After  the  spial 
of  this  boy,  my  lord  revealed  the  same  unto  the  council,  by 
means  whereof  the  ruffian  was  apprehended,  and  set  on  the 
pillory,  in  the  midst  of  the  market-place ;  a  goodly  recompense 
for  such  an  heinous  offence.  Also  another  displeasure  was ; 
some  lewd  person,  whosoever  it  was,  had  engraved  in  the  great 
chamber  window  where  my  lord  lay,  upon  the  leaning  stone 
there,  a  cardinal's  hat  with  a  pair  of  gallows  over  it,  in  derision 
of  my  lord;  with  divers  other  unkind  demeanours,  the  which 
I  leave  here  to  write,  they  be  matters  so  slanderous. 

Thus  passing  divers  days  in  consultation,  expecting  the  re- 
turn of  Christopher  Gunner,  which  was  sent  into  England  with 
letters  unto  the  king,  as  it  is  rehearsed  heretofore,  by  empost, 
who  at  last  returned  again  with  the  letters;  upon  receipt  where- 
of my  lord  made  haste  to  return  into  England. 

In  the  morning  that  my  lord  should  depart  and  remove, 
being  then  at  mass  in  his  closet,  he  consecrated  the  Chancellor 
of  France  a  cardinal,  and  put  upon  him  the  habit  due  to  that 


Cartitnal  WolQt^  65 

order  ;  and  then  took  his  journey  into  Englandward,  making 
such  necessary  expedition  that  he  came  to  Guisnes,  where  he 
was  nobly  received  of  my  Lord  Sands,  captain  there,  with  all 
the  retinue  thereof.  And  from  thence  he  rode  to  Calais,  where 
he  tarried  the  shipping  of  his  stuff,  horses,  and  train ;  and  in 
the  mean  time  he  established  there  a  mart,  to  be  kept  for  all 
nations  ;  but  how  long  it  endured,  and  in  what  sort  it  was  used, 
I  know  not,  for  I  never  heard  of  any  great  good  that  it  did,  or  of 
any  worthy  assembly  there  of  merchants  or  merchandise,  that 
was  brought  thither  for  the  furniture  of  so  weighty  a  matter. 

These  things  finished,  and  others  for  the  weal  of  the  town, 
he  took  shipping  and  arrived  at  Dover,  from  whence  he  rode 
to  the  king,  being  then  in  his  progress  at  Sir  Harry  Wyatt's 
house,  in  Kent,  supposed  among  us  his  servants,  that  he  should 
be  joyfully  received  at  his  home  coming,  as  well  of  the  king  as 
of  all  other  noblemen  :  but  we  were  deceived  in  our  expecta- 
tion. Notwithstanding  he  went,  immediately  after  his  com- 
ing, to  the  king,  with  whom  he  had  long  talk,  and  continued 
there  in  the  court  two  or  three  days  ;  and  then  returned  to  his 
house  at  Westminster,  where  he  remained  until  Michaelmas 
term,  which  was  within  a  fortnight  after,  and  using  his  room 
of  Chancellorship,  as  he  was  wont  to  do. 

At  which  time  he  caused  an  assembly  to  be  made  in  the  Star 
Chamber,  of  all  the  noblemen,  judges,  and  justices  of  the  peace 
of  every  shire  that  was  at  that  present  in  Westminster  Hall,  and 
there  made  to  them  a  long'  oration,  declaring  unto  them  the 
cause  of  his  ambassy  into  France,  and  of  his  proceedings  there ; 
among  the  which  he  said  that,  *  he  had  concludedsuch  an  amity 
and  friendship  as  never  was  heard  of  in  this  realm  in  our  time 
before,  as  well  between  the  emperor  and  us,  as  between  the 
French  king  and  our  sovereign  lord,  concluding  a  perpetual 
peace,  which  shall  be  confirmed  in  writing,  alternately,  sealed 
with  the  broad  seals  of  both  the  realms  graved  in  fine  gold ; 
affirming  furthermore,  that  the  king  should  receive  yearly  his 


66  Cfte  Hife  of 

tribute,  by  that  name,  for  the  Duchy  of  Normandy,  with  all 
other  costs  which  he  hath  sustained  in  the  wars.  And  where 
there  was  a  restraint  made  in  France  of  the  French  queen's 
dower,  whom  the  Duke  of  Suffolk  had  married,  for  divers  years 
during  the  wars,  it  is  fully  concluded,  that  she  shall  not  only 
receive  the  same  yearly  again,  but  also  the  arrearages  being  un- 
paid during  the  restraint.  All  which  things  shall  be  perfected  at 
the  coming  of  the  great  ambassy  out  of  France:  in  the  which 
shall  be  a  great  number  of  noblemen  and  gentlemen  for  the 
conclusion  of  the  same,  as  hath  not  been  seen  repair  hither  out 
of  one  realm  in  an  ambassy.  This  peace  thus  concluded,  there 
shall  be  such  an  amity  between  gentlemen  of  each  realm,  and 
intercourse  of  merchants  with  merchandise,  that  it  shall  seem 
to  all  men  the  territories  to  be  but  one  monarchy.  Gentle- 
men may  travel  quietly  from  one  country  to  another  for  their 
recreation  and  pastime  ;  and  merchants,  being  arrived  in  each 
country,  shall  be  assured  to  travel  about  their  affairs  in  peace 
and  tranquility :  so  that  this  realm  shall  joy  andprosper  for  ever. 
Wherefore  it  shall  be  well  done  for  all  true  Englishmen  to  ad- 
vance and  set  forth  this  perpetual  peace,  both  in  countenance 
and  gesture,  with  such  entertainment  as  it  may  be  a  just  oc- 
casion unto  the  Frenchmen  to  accept  the  same  in  good  part, 
and  also  to  use  you  with  the  semblable,  and  make  of  the  same 
a  noble  report  in  their  countries. 

*  Now,  good  my  lords  and  gentlemen,  I  most  entirely  re- 
quire you  in  the  king's  behalf,  that  ye  will  show  yourselves 
herein  very  loving  and  obedient  subjects,  wherein  the  king  will 
much  rejoice  at  your  towardness,  and  give  to  every  man  his 
princely  thanks  for  such  liberality  and  gentleness,  as  ye  or  any 
of  you  shall  minister  unto  them.'  And  here  he  ended  his  per- 
suasion, and  so  departed  into  the  dining  chamber,  and  dined 
among  the  lords  of  the  council. 

This  great  ambassy,  long  looked  for,  was  now  come  over, 
which  were  in  number  above  fourscore  persons,  of  the  most 


Cardinal  WoUt^  67 

noblest  and  worthiest  gentlemen  in  all  the  court  of  France, 
who  were  right  honourably  received  from  place  to  place  after 
their  arrival,  and  so  conveyed  through  London  unto  the  bish- 
op's palace  in  Paul's  Churchyard,  where  they  were  lodged.  To 
whom  divers  noblemen  resorted  and  gave  them  divers  goodly 
presents ;  and  in  especial  the  Mayor  and  City  of  London,  as 
wine,  sugar,  wax,  capons,  wild  fowl,  beefs,  muttons,  and  other 
necessaries  in  great  abundance,  for  the  expenses  of  their  house. 
Then  the  next  Sunday  after  their  resort  to  London,  they  re- 
paired to  the  court  at  Greenwich,  and  there,  by  the  king's 
majesty,  most  highly  received  and  entertained.  They  had  a 
special  commission  to  create  and  stall  the  king's  majesty  in  the 
Royal  order  of  France;  for  which  purposely  they  brought  with 
them  a  collar  of  fine  gold  of  the  order,  with  a  Michael  hanging 
thereat,  and  robes  to  the  same  appurtenant,  the  which  was  won- 
drous costly  and  comely,  of  purple  velvet,  richly  embroidered; 
I  saw  the  king  in  all  this  apparel  and  habit,  passing  through 
the  chamber  of  presence  unto  his  closet;  and  offered  in  the  same 
habit  at  mass  beneath  in  the  chapel.  And  to  gratify  the  French 
king  with  like  honour,  he  sent  incontinent  unto  him  the  like 
order  of  England  by  a  nobleman,  the  Earl  of  Wiltshire,  pur- 
posely for  that  intent,  to  create  him  one  of  the  same  order  of 
England,  accompanied  with  Garter  the  Herald,  with  all  robes, 
garter,  and  other  habiliments  to  the  same  belonging ;  as  costly 
in  every  degree  as  the  other  was  of  the  French  king's,  the  which 
was  done  before  the  return  of  the  great  ambassy . 

And  for  the  performance  of  this  noble  and  perpetual  peace, 
it  was  concluded  and  determined  that  a  solemn  mass  should  be 
sung  in  the  cathedral  church  of  Paul's  by  the  cardinal;  against 
which  time  there  was  prepared  a  gallery  made  from  the  west 
door  of  the  church  of  Paul's  unto  the  quire  door,  railed  on  every 
side,  upon  the  which  stood  vessels  full  of  perfumes  burning. 
Then  the  king  and  my  Lord  Cardinal,  and  all  the  Frenchmen, 
with  all  other  noblemen  and  gentlemen,  were  conveyed  upon 


68  Cfje  ilife  of 

this  gallery  unto  the  high  altar  into  their  traverses ;  then  my 
Lord  Cardinal  prepared  himself  to  mass,  associated  with  twenty- 
four  mitres  of  bishops  and  abbots,  attending  upon  him,  and  to 
serve  him,  in  such  ceremonies  as  to  him,  by  virtue  of  his  legatine 
prerogative,  was  due. 

And  after  the  last  Agnus,  the  king  rose  out  of  his  travers  and 
kneeled  upon  a  cushion  and  carpet  at  the  high  altar;  and  the 
Grand  Master  of  France,  the  chief  ambassador,  that  represented 
the  king  his  master,  kneeled  by  the  king's  majesty,  between 
whom  my  lord  divided  the  sacrament,  as  a  firm  oath  and  assur- 
ance of  this  perpetual  peace.  That  done,  the  king  resorted  again 
unto  his  travers,  and  the  Grand  Master  in  like  wise  to  his.  This 
mass  finished,  which  was  sung  with  the  king's  chapel  and  the 
quire  of  Paul's,  my  Lord  Cardinal  took  the  instrument  of  this 
perpetual  peace  and  amity,  and  read  the  same  openly  before  the 
king  and  the  assembly,  both  of  English  and  French,  to  the  which 
the  king  subscribed  with  his  own  hand,  and  the  Grand  Master, 
for  the  French  king,  in  like  wise,  the  which  was  sealed  with  the 
seals  of  fine  gold,  engraven,  and  delivered  to  each  other  as  their 
firm  deeds ;  and  all  this  done  and  finished  they  departed. 

The  king  rode  home  to  the  cardinal's  house  at  Westmin- 
ster, to  dinner,  with  whom  dined  all  the  Frenchmen,  passing 
all  day  after  in  consultation  in  weighty  matters,  touching  the 
conclusion  of  this  peace  and  amity.  That  done,  the  king  went 
again  by  water  to  Greenwich  ;  at  whose  departing  it  was  deter- 
mined by  the  king's  devise,  that  the  French  gentlemen  should 
resort  unto  Richmond  to  hunt  there,  in  every  of  the  parks,  and 
from  thence  to  Hampton  Court,  and  therein  likewise  to  hunt, 
and  there  my  Lord  Cardinal  to  make  for  them  a  supper,  and 
lodge  them  there  that  night ;  and  from  thence  they  should  ride 
to  Windsor,  and  there  to  hunt,  and  after  their  return  to  London 
they  should  resort  to  the  court,  whereas  the  king  would  ban- 
quet them.  And  this  perfectly  determined,  the  king  and  the 
Frenchmen  departed. 


Cartitnal  Wolst^  69 

Then  there  was  no  more  to  do  but  to  make  provision  at 
Hampton  Court  for  this  assembly  against  the  day  appointed. 
My  lord  called  for  the  principal  officers  of  his  house,  as  his 
steward,  comptroller,  and  the  clerks  of  his  kitchen,  whom  he 
commanded  to  prepare  for  this  banquet  at  Hampton  Court; 
and  neither  to  spare  for  expenses  or  travail,  to  make  them  such 
triumphant  cheer,  as  they  may  not  only  wonder  at  it  here,  but 
also  make  a  glorious  report  in  their  country,  to  the  king's  hon- 
our and  of  this  realm.  His  pleasure  once  known,  to  accomplish 
his  commandment  they  sent  forth  all  their  caterers,  purveyors, 
and  other  persons,  to  prepare  of  the  finest  viands  that  they  could 
get,  either  for  money  or  friendship  among  my  lord's  friends. 
Also  they  sent  for  all  the  expertest  cooks,  besides  my  lord's,  that 
they  could  get  in  all  England,  where  they  might  be  gotten,  to 
serve  to  garnish  this  feast. 

The  purveyors  brought  and  sent  in  such  plenty  of  costly  pro- 
vision, as  ye  would  wonder  at  the  same.  The  cooks  wrought 
both  night  and  day  in  divers  subtleties  and  many  crafty  de- 
vices ;  where  lacked  neither  gold,  silver,  nor  any  other  costly 
thing  meet  for  the  purpose. 

The  yeomen  and  grooms  of  the  wardrobes  were  busied  in 
hanging  of  the  chambers  with  costly  hangings,  and  furnishing 
the  same  with  beds  of  silk,  and  other  furniture  apt  for  the  same 
in  every  degree.  Then  my  Lord  Cardinal  sent  me,  being  gentle- 
man usher,  with  two  other  of  my  fellows,  to  Hampton  Court, 
to  foresee  all  things  touching  our  rooms,  to  be  noblily  garnished 
accordingly.  Our  pains  were  not  small  or  light,  but  travailing 
daily  from  chamber  to  chamber.  Then  the  carpenters,  the  join- 
ers, the  masons,  the  painters,  and  all  other  artificers  necessary  to 
glorify  the  house  and  feast  were  set  at  work.  There  was  car- 
riage and  re-carriage  of  plate,  stuff,  and  other  rich  implements ; 
so  that  there  was  nothing  lacking  or  to  be  imagined  or  devised 
for  the  purpose.  There  were  also  fourteen  score  beds  provided 
and  furnished  with  all  manner  of  furniture  to  them  belonging, 


70  C{)E  Clfe  O! 

too  long  particularly  here  to  rehearse.  But  to  all  wise  men  it 
sufficeth  to  imagine,  that  knoweth  what  belongeth  to  the  furni- 
ture of  such  triumphant  feast  or  banquet. 

The  day  was  come  that  to  the  Frenchmen  was  assigned,  and 
they  ready  assembled  at  Hampton  Court,  something  before  the 
hour  of  their  appointment.  Wherefore  the  officers  caused  them 
to  ride  to  Hanworth,  a  place  and  park  of  the  king's,  within  two 
or  three  miles,  there  to  hunt  and  spend  the  time  until  night.  At 
which  time  they  returned  again  to  Hampton  Court,  and  every 
of  them  conveyed  to  his  chamber  severally,  having  in  them 
great  fires  and  wine  ready  to  refresh  them,  remaining  there  until 
their  supper  was  ready,  and  the  chambers  where  they  should 
sup  were  ordered  in  due  form.  The  first  waiting-chamber  was 
hanged  with  fine  arras,  and  so  was  all  the  rest,  one  better  than 
another,  furnished  with  tall  yeomen.  There  was  set  tables  round 
about  the  chamber,  banquet-wise,  all  covered  with  fine  cloths 
of  diaper.  A  cupboard  with  plate,  parcel-gilt,  having  also  in 
the  same  chamber,  to  give  the  more  light,  four  plates  of  silver, 
set  with  lights  upon  them,  a  great  fire  in  the  chimney. 

The  next  chamber,  being  the  chamber  of  presence,  hanged 
with  very  rich  arras,  wherein  was  a  gorgeous  and  a  precious  cloth 
of  estate  hanged  up,  replenished  with  many  goodly  gentlemen 
ready  to  serve.  The  boards  were  set  as  the  other  boards  were 
in  the  other  chamber  before,  save  that  the  high  table  was  set 
and  removed  beneath  the  cloth  of  estate,  towards  the  midst  of 
the  chamber,  covered  with  fine  linen  cloths  of  damask  work, 
sweetly  perfumed.  There  was  a  cupboard  made  for  the  time, 
in  length,  of  the  breadth  of  the  nether  end  of  the  same  chamber, 
of  six  desks  high,  full  of  gilt  plate,  very  sumptuous,  and  of  the 
most  newest  fashions;  and  upon  the  nethermost  desk  garnished 
all  with  plate  of  clean  gold,  having  two  great  candlesticks  of 
silver  and  gilt,  most  curiously  wrought,  and  the  workmanship 
whereof,  with  the  silver,  cost  three  hundred  marks,  and  lights 
of  wax  as  big  as  torches  burning  upon  the  same.   This  cup- 


Cartiinal  Wol&t^  7 1 

board  was  barred  in  round  about  that  no  man  might  come  nigh 
it ;  for  there  was  none  of  the  same  plate  occupied  or  stirred 
during  this  feast,  for  there  was  sufficient  besides.  The  plates 
that  hung  on  the  walls  to  give  light  in  the  chamber  were  of 
silver  and  gilt,  with  lights  burning  in  them,  a  great  fire  in  the 
chimney,  and  all  other  things  necessary  for  the  furniture  of  so 
noble  a  feast. 

Now  was  all  things  in  a  readiness  and  supper  time  at  hand. 
My  lord's  officers  caused  the  trumpets  to  blow  to  warn  to  sup- 
per, and  the  said  officers  went  right  discreetly  in  due  order,  and 
conducted  these  noble  personages  from  their  chambers  unto  the 
chamber  of  presence  where  they  should  sup.  And  they,  being 
there,  caused  them  to  sit  down ;  their  service  was  brought  up  in 
such  order  and  abundance,  both  costly  and  full  of  subtleties, 
with  such  a  pleasant  noise  of  divers  instruments  of  music,  that 
the  Frenchmen,  as  it  seemed,  were  rapt  into  an  heavenly  par- 
adise. 

Ye  must  understand  that  my  lord  was  not  there,  nor  yet 
come,  but  they  being  merry  and  pleasant  with  their  fare,  devis- 
ing and  wondering  upon  the  subtleties  before  the  second  course, 
my  Lord  Cardinal  came  in  among  them,  booted  and  spurred, 
all  suddenly,  and  bade  them  preface;  at  whose  coming  they 
would  have  risen  and  given  place  with  much  joy.  Whom  my 
lord  commanded  to  sit  still,  and  keep  their  rooms;  and  straight- 
way, being  not  shifted  of  his  riding  apparel,  called  for  a  chair, 
and  sat  himself  down  in  the  midst  of  the  table,  laughing  and 
being  as  merry  as  ever  I  saw  him  in  all  my  life.  Anon  came  up 
the  second  course,  with  so  many  dishes,  subtleties,  and  curious 
devices,  which  were  above  a  hundred  in  number,  of  so  goodly 
proportion  and  costly,  that  I  suppose  the  Frenchmen  never  saw 
the  like.  The  wonder  was  no  less  than  it  was  worthy  in  deed. 
There  were  castles  with  images  in  the  same;  Paul's  church  and 
steeple,  in  proportion  for  the  quantity  as  well  counterfeited  as 
the  painter  should  have  painted  it  upon  a  cloth  or  wall.  There 


72  Cf)e  ilife  of 

were  beasts,  birds,  fowls  of  divers  kinds,  and  personages,  most 
lively  made  and  counterfeit  in  dishes;  some  fighting,  as  it  were, 
with  swords,  some  with  guns  and  crossbows,  some  vaulting  and 
leaping;  some  dancing  with  ladies,  some  in  complete  harness, 
justing  with  spears,  and  with  many  more  devices  than  I  am  able 
with  my  wit  to  describe.  Among  all,  one  I  noted :  there  was 
a  chess-board  subtilely  made  of  spiced  plate,  with  men  to  the 
same;  and  for  the  good  proportion,  because  that  Frenchmen  be 
very  expert  in  that  play,  my  lord  gave  the  same  to  a  gentleman 
of  France,  commanding  that  a  case  should  be  made  for  the  same 
in  all  haste,  to  preserve  it  from  perishing  in  the  conveyance 
thereof  into  his  country.  Then  my  lord  took  a  bowl  of  gold, 
which  was  esteemed  of  the  value  of  five  hundred  marks,  and 
filled  with  hypocras,  as  whereof  there  was  plenty,  putting  off 
his  cap,  said :  *  I  drink  to  the  king  my  sovereign  lord  and  mas- 
ter, and  to  the  king  your  master,'  and  therewith  drank  a  good 
draught.  And  when  he  had  done,  he  desired  the  Grand  Master 
to  pledge  him  cup  and  all,  the  which  cup  he  gave  him ;  and  so 
caused  all  the  other  lords  and  gentlemen  in  other  cups  to  pledge 
these  two  royal  princes. 

Then  went  cups  merrily  about,  that  many  of  the  French- 
men were  fain  to  be  led  to  their  beds.  Then  went  my  lord, 
leaving  them  sitting  still,  into  his  privy  chamber  to  shift  him  ; 
and  making  there  a  very  short  supper,  or  rather  a  small  repast, 
returned  again  among  them  into  the  chamber  of  presence, 
using  them  so  nobly,  with  so  loving  and  familiar  countenance 
and  entertainment,  that  they  could  not  commend  him  too 
much. 

And  whilst  they  were  in  communication  and  other  pastimes, 
all  their  liveries  were  served  to  their  chambers.  Every  cham- 
ber had  a  bason  and  a  ewer  of  silver,  and  some  clear  gilt,  and 
some  parcel-gilt;  and  some  two  great  pots  of  silver,  in  like 
manner,  and  one  pot  at  the  least  with  wine  and  beer,  a  bowl  or 
goblet,  and  a  silver  pot  to  drink  beer  in;  a  silver  candlestick  or 


Cardinal  3^olsie?  73 

two, with  bothwhite lights  andyellow  lights, three  sizesofwax; 
and  a  staff  torch ;  a  fine  manchet,  and  a  cheat  loaf  of  bread. 
Thus  was  every  chamber  furnished  throughout  the  house,  and 
yet  the  two  cupboards  in  the  two  banqueting  chambers  not  once 
touched.  Then  being  past  midnight,  as  time  served  they  were 
conveyed  to  their  lodgings,  to  take  their  rest  for  that  night.  In 
the  morning  of  the  next  day,  not  early,  they  rose  and  heard  mass, 
and  dined  with  my  lord,  and  so  departed  towards  Windsor,  and 
there  hunted,  delighting  much  of  the  castle  and  college,  and  in 
the  Order  of  the  Garter.  They  being  departed  from  Hampton 
Court,  my  lord  returned  again  to  Westminster,  because  it  was 
in  the  midst  of  the  term. 

It  is  not  to  be  doubted,  but  that  the  king  was  privy  of  all 
this  worthy  feast,  and  intended  far  to  exceed  the  same,  (whom 
I  leave  until  the  return  of  the  Frenchmen,)  who  gave  a  special 
commandment  to  all  his  officers  to  devise  a  far  more  sumptu- 
ouser  banquet  for  these  strangers,  otherwise  than  they  had  at 
Hampton  Court;  which  was  not  neglected,  but  most  speedily 
put  in  execution  with  great  diligence. 

After  the  return  of  these  strangers  from  Windsor,  which 
place  with  the  goodly  order  thereof  they  much  commended, 
the  day  approached  that  they  were  invited  to  the  court  at 
Greenwich;  where  first  they  dined,  and  after  long  consultation 
of  the  sagest  with  our  counsellors,  and  dancing  of  the  rest,  and 
other  pastimes,  the  time  of  supper  came  on.  Then  was  the 
banqueting  chamber  in  the  tiltyard  furnished  for  the  entertain- 
ment of  these  strangers,  to  the  which  place  they  were  conveyed 
by  the  noblest  persons  being  then  in  the  court,  where  they 
both  supped  and  banqueted.  But  to  describe  the  dishes,  the 
subtleties,  the  many  strange  devices  and  order  in  the  same,  I  do 
both  lack  wit  in  my  gross  old  head,  and  cunning  in  my  bowels 
to  declare  the  wonderful  and  curious  imaginations  in  the  same 
invented  and  devised.  Yet  this  ye  shall  understand:  that  al- 
though it  was  at  Hampton  Court  marvellous  sumptuous,  yet 


74  %\)t  3life  of 

did  this  banquet  far  exceed  the  same,  as  fine  gold  doth  silver  in 
weight  and  value;  and  for  my  part  I  must  needs  confess,  w^hich 
saw  them  both,  that  I  never  saw  the  like,  or  read  in  any  story 
or  chronicle  of  any  such  feast.  In  the  midst  of  this  banquet, 
there  was  tourneying  at  the  barriers,  even  in  the  chamber,  with 
lusty  gentlemen  in  gorgeous  complete  harness,  on  foot ;  then 
was  there  the  like  on  horseback;  and  after  all  this  there  was 
the  most  goodliest  disguising  or  interlude,  made  in  Latin  and 
French,  whose  apparel  was  of  such  exceeding  riches,  that  it 
passeth  my  capacity  to  expound. 

This  done,  then  came  in  such  a  number  of  fair  ladies  and 
gentlewomen  that  bare  any  bruit  or  fame  of  beauty  in  all  this 
realm,  in  the  most  richest  apparel,  and  devised  in  divers  goodly 
fashions  that  all  the  cunningest  tailors  could  devise  to  shape  or 
cut,  to  set  forth  their  beauty,  gesture,  and  goodly  proportion  of 
their  bodies:  who  seemed  to  all  men  more  angelic  than  earthly, 
made  of  flesh  and  bone.  Surely  to  me,  simple  soul,  it  seemed 
inestimable  to  be  described,  and  so  I  think  it  was  to  other  of 
a  more  higher  judgment,  —  with  whom  these  gentlemen  of 
France  danced  until  another  mask  came  in  of  noble  gentlemen, 
who  danced  and  masked  with  these  fair  ladies  and  gentlewo- 
men, every  man  as  his  fantasy  served  him.  This  done,  and  the 
maskers  departed,  there  came  in  another  mask  of  ladies  so  gor- 
geously apparelled  in  costly  garments,  that  I  dare  not  presume 
to  take  upon  me  to  make  thereof  any  declaration,  lest  I  should 
rather  deface  than  beautify  them,  therefore  I  leave  it  untouched. 
These  lady  maskers  took  each  of  them  a  French  gentleman  to 
dance  and  mask  with  them.  Ye  shall  understand  that  these 
lady  maskers  spake  good  French,  which  delighted  much  these 
gentlemen,  to  hear  these  ladies  speak  to  them  in  their  own 
tongue. 

Thus  was  this  night  occupied  and  consumed  from  five  of  the 
clock  until  two  or  three  after  midnight;  at  which  time  it  was 
convenient  for  all  estates  to  draw  to  their  rest.  And  thus  every 


Cardinal  3^olse?  75 

man  departed  whitherto  they  had  most  relief.  Then  as  nothing, 
either  health,  wealth,  or  pleasure,  can  always  endure,  so  ended 
this  triumphant  banquet,  the  which  in  the  morning  seemed  to 
all  the  beholders  but  as  a  fantastical  dream. 

After  all  this  solemn  cheer,  at  a  day  appointed  they  prepared 
them  to  return  with  bag  and  baggage.  Then,  as  to  the  office 
of  all  honourable  persons  doth  appertain,  they  resorted  in  good 
order  to  the  court,  to  take  their  leave  of  the  king,  and  other 
noblemen,  then  being  there :  to  whom  the  king  committed  his 
princely  commendations  to  the  king  their  master,  and  thanked 
them  of  their  pains  and  travel,  and  after  long  communication 
with  the  most  honourable  of  thatambassy,he  bade  them  adieu, 
who  was  assigned  by  the  council  to  repair  to  my  Lord  Car- 
dinal for  to  receive  the  king's  most  noble  rewards.  Wherefore 
they  repaired  to  my  lord,  and  taking  of  their  leave,  they  re- 
ceived every  man  the  king's  reward  after  this  sort ;  every  hon- 
ourable person  in  estimation  had  most  commonly  plate,  to  the 
value  of  three  or  four  hundred  pounds,  and  some  more,  and 
some  less,  besides  other  great  gifts  received  at  the  king's  hands 
before;  as  rich  gowns,  horses,  or  goodly  geldings  of  great  value 
and  goodness;  and  some  had  weighty  chains  of  fine  gold,  with 
divers  other  gifts,  which  I  cannot  now  call  to  my  remembrance; 
but  this  I  know,  that  the  least  of  them  all  had  a  sum  of  crowns 
of  gold  :  the  worst  page  among  them  had  twenty  crowns  for 
his  part:  and  thus  they,  nobly  rewarded,  departed.  And  my 
lord,  after  humble  commendations  had  to  the  French  king, 
bade  them  adieu.  And  the  next  day  they  conveyed  all  their 
stuff  and  furniture  unto  the  seaside,  accompanied  with  lusty 
young  gentlemen  of  England :  but  what  praise  or  commenda- 
tions they  made  in  their  country  at  their  return,  in  good  faith, 
I  cannot  tell  you,  for  I  never  heard  any  thing  thereof. 

Then  began  other  matters  to  brew  and  take  place  that  occu- 
pied all  men's  heads  with  divers  imaginations,  whose  stomachs 
were  therewith  full  filled  without  any  perfect  digestion.    The 


76  CJe  Hife  of 

long  hid  and  secret  love  between  the  king  and  Mistress  Anne 
Boleyn  began  to  break  out  into  every  man's  ears.  The  matter 
was  then  by  the  king  disclosed  to  my  Lord  Cardinal ;  whose 
persuasion  to  the  contrary,  made  to  the  king  upon  his  knees, 
could  not  effect :  the  king  was  so  amorously  affectionate,  that 
will  bare  place,  and  high  discretion  banished  for  the  time.  My 
lord,  provoked  by  the  king  to  declare  his  wise  opinion  in  this 
matter  for  the  furtherance  of  his  desired  affecte,  who  thought  it 
not  meet  for  him  alone  to  wade  too  far,  to  give  his  hasty  judg- 
ment or  advice  in  so  weighty  a  matter,  desired  of  the  king  li- 
cence to  ask  the  counsel  of  men  of  ancient  study,  and  of  famous 
learning,  both  in  the  laws  divine  and  civil.  That  obtained,  he 
by  his  legatine  authority  sent  out  his  commission  unto  all  the 
bishops  of  this  realm,  and  for  other  that  were  either  exactly 
learned  in  any  of  the  said  laws,  or  else  had  in  any  estimation  for 
their  prudent  counsel  and  judgment  in  princely  affairs  of  long 
experience. 

Then  assembled  these  prelates  before  my  Lord  Cardinal  at 
his  place  in  Westminster,  with  many  other  famous  and  notable 
clerks  of  both  the  Universities,  Oxford  and  Cambridge,  and 
also  divers  out  of  colleges  and  cathedral  churches  of  this  realm, 
renowned  and  allowed  learned  and  of  witty  discretion  in  the 
determination  of  doubtful  questions.  Then  was  the  matter 
of  the  king's  case  debated,  reasoned,  and  argued ;  consulting 
from  day  to  day,  and  time  to  time ;  that  it  was  to  men  learned 
a  goodly  hearing;  but  in  conclusion,  it  seemed  me,  by  the  de- 
parting of  the  ancient  fathers  of  the  laws,  that  they  departed 
with  one  judgment  contrary  to  the  expectation  of  the  princi- 
pal parties.  I  heard  the  opinion  of  some  of  the  most  famous 
persons,  among  that  sort,  report,  that  the  king's  case  was  so 
obscure  and  doubtful  for  any  learned  man  to  discuss ;  the  points 
therein  were  so  dark  to  be  credited,  that  it  was  very  hard  to 
have  any  true  understanding  or  intelligence.  And  therefore 
they  departed  without  any  resolution  or  judgment.    Then  in 


CartJtnal  ^^olse^  77 

this  assembly  of  bishops  it  was  thought  most  expedient  that 
the  king  should  first  send  out  his  commissioners  into  all  the 
Universities  of  Christendom,  as  well  here  in  England  as  in  for- 
eign countries  and  regions,  to  have  among  them  his  Grace's 
case  argued  substantially,  and  to  bring  with  them  from  thence 
the  very  definition  of  their  opinions  in  the  same,  under  the  seals 
of  every  several  University.  This  was  their  determination  for 
this  time ;  and  thereupon  agreed,  that  commissioners  were 
incontinent  appointed  and  sent  forth  about  this  matter  into 
several  Universities,  as  some  to  Oxford,  some  to  Cambridge, 
some  to  Louvain,  some  to  Paris,  some  to  Orleans,  some  to  Bo- 
logna, and  some  to  Padua,  and  some  to  other.  Although 
these  commissioners  had  the  travail,  yet  was  the  charges  the 
king's  ;  the  which  was  no  small  sums  of  money,  and  all  went 
out  of  the  king's  coffers  into  foreign  regions.  For  as  I  heard  it 
reported  of  credible  persons  (as  it  seemed  indeed),  that  besides 
the  great  charges  of  the  commissioners,  there  was  inestimable 
sums  of  money  given  to  the  famous  clerks  to  choke  them,  and 
in  especial  to  such  as  had  the  governance  and  custody  of  their 
Universities'  seals.  Insomuch  as  they  agreed,  not  only  in  opin- 
ions, but  also  obtained  of  them  the  Universities' seals  (the  which 
attained),  they  returned  home  again  furnished  for  their  purpose. 
At  whose  return  there  was  no  small  joy  made  of  the  principal 
parties,  insomuch  as  the  commissioners  were  not  only  ever  after 
in  great  estimation,  but  also  most  liberally  advanced  and  re- 
warded, far  beyond  their  worthy  deserts.  Notwithstanding, 
they  prospered,  and  the  matter  went  still  forward,  having  then, 
as  they  thought,  a  sure  foundation  to  ground  them  upon. 

These  proceedings  being  once  declared  to  my  Lord  Car- 
dinal, he  sent  again  for  all  the  bishops,  whom  he  had  made 
privy  of  the  expedition  of  the  commissioners  ;  and  for  the  very 
proof  thereof  he  showed  them  the  opinions  of  the  several  Uni- 
versities in  writing  under  the  Universities'  seals.  These  mat- 
ters being  thus  brought  to  pass,  they  went  again  to  consultation 


78  Cl)eilifeof 

how  these  matters  should  be  ordered  to  the  purpose.  It  was 
then  thought  good  and  concluded,  by  the  advice  of  them  all, 
that  the  king  should  (to  avoid  all  ambiguities)  send  unto  the 
pope  a  legation  with  the  instruments,  declaring  the  opinions  of 
the  Universities  under  their  seals ;  to  the  which  it  was  thought 
good  that  all  these  prelates  in  this  assembly  should  join  with 
the  king  in  this  legation,  making  intercession  and  suit  to  the 
pope  for  advice  and  judgment  in  this  great  and  weighty  mat- 
ter ;  and  if  the  pope  would  not  directly  consent  to  the  same 
request,  that  then  the  ambassadors  should  further  require  of 
him  a  commission  to  be  directed  (under  lead),  to  establish  a 
court  judicial  in  England,  [hac  vice  tantutn)  directed  to  my 
Lord  Cardinal,  and  unto  the  Cardinal  Campeggio,  who  was 
then  Bishop  of  Bath,  although  he  were  a  stranger,  which  bish- 
opric the  king  gave  him  at  such  time  as  he  was  the  pope's  am- 
bassador here  in  England,  to  see,  hear  and  determine  according 
to  the  just  judgment  of  their  conscience.  The  which  after  long 
and  great  suit,  they  obtained  of  the  pope  his  commission.  This 
done  and  achieved,  they  made  return  into  England,  making  re- 
port unto  the  king  of  their  expedition,  trusting  that  his  Grace's 
pleasure  and  purpose  should  now  presently  be  brought  to  pass, 
considering  the  estate  of  the  judges,  who  were  the  Cardinals  of 
England  and  Campeggio,  being  both  his  Highness's  subjects 
in  effect. 

Long  was  the  desire,  and  greater  was  the  hope  on  all  sides, 
expecting  the  coming  of  the  legation  and  commission  from 
Rome,  yet  at  length  it  came.  And  after  the  arrival  of  the  Leg- 
ate' Campeggio  with  this  solemn  commission  in  England, 
he  being  sore  vexed  with  the  gout,  was  constrained  by  force 
thereof  to  make  a  long  journey  or  ever  he  came  to  London  ; 
who  should  have  been  most  solemnly  received  at  Blackheath, 
and  so  with  great  triumph  conveyed  to  London  ;  but  his  glory 
was  such,  that  he  would  in  no  wise  be  entertained  with  any 
such  pomp  or  vainglory,  who  suddenly  came  by  water  in  a 


Cartiinal  5^olse^  79 

wherry  to  his  own  house  without  Temple  Bar,  called  then 
Bath  Place,  which  was  furnished  for  him  with  all  manner  of 
stuff  and  implements  of  my  lord's  provision  ;  where  he  con- 
tinued and  lodged  during  his  abode  here  in  England. 

Then  after  some  deliberation,  his  commission  understood, 
read,  and  perceived,  it  was  by  the  council  determined,  that  the 
king,  and  the  queen  his  wife,  should  be  lodged  at  Bridewell. 
And  that  in  the  Black  Friars  a  certain  place  should  be  appoint- 
ed whereas  the  king  and  the  queen  might  most  conveniently 
repair  to  the  court,  there  to  be  erected  and  kept  for  the  dispu- 
tation and  determination  of  the  king's  case,  whereas  these  two 
legates  sat  in  judgment  as  notable  judges;  before  whom  the 
king  and  the  queen  were  duly  cited  and  summoned  to  appear. 
Which  was  the  strangest  and  newest  sight  and  devise  that  ever 
was  read  or  heard  in  any  history  or  chronicle  in  any  region ; 
that  a  king  and  a  queen  to  be  convented  and  constrained  by 
process  compellatory  to  appear  in  any  court  as  common  persons, 
within  their  own  realm  or  dominion,  to  abide  the  judgment 
and  decrees  of  their  own  subjects,  having  the  diadem  and  pre- 
rogative thereof.  Is  it  not  a  world  to  consider  the  desire  of 
wilful  princes,  when  they  fully  be  bent  and  inclined  to  fulfil 
their  voluptuous  appetites,  against  the  which  no  reasonable 
persuasions  will  suffice;  little  or  nothing  weighing  or  regarding 
the  dangerous  sequel  that  doth  ensue  as  well  to  themselves  as  to 
their  realm  and  subjects  ?  And  above  all  things,  there  is  no  one 
thing  that  causeth  them  to  be  more  wilful  than  carnal  desire 
and  voluptuous  affection  of  foolish  love.  The  experience  is 
plain  in  this  case,  both  manifest  and  evident,  for  what  surmised 
inventions  have  been  invented,  what  laws  have  been  enacted, 
what  noble  and  ancient  monasteries  overthrown  and  defaced, 
what  diversities  of  religious  opinions  have  risen,  what  execu- 
tions have  been  committed,  how  many  famous  and  notable 
clerks  have  suffered  death,  what  charitable  foundations  were 
perverted  from  the  relief  of  the  poor,  unto  profane  uses,  and 


8o  %\it  Htfe  of 

what  alterations  of  good  and  wholesome  ancient  laws  and  cus- 
toms hath  been  forced  by  will  and  wilful  desire  of  the  prince, 
almost  to  the  subversion  and  dissolution  of  this  noble  realm. 
All  men  may  understand  what  hath  chanced  to  this  region;  the 
proof  thereof  hath  taught  all  us  Englishmen  a  common  experi- 
ence, the  more  is  the  pity,  and  to  all  good  men  very  lamentable 
to  be  considered.  If  eyes  be  not  blind  men  may  see,  if  ears  be 
not  stopped  they  may  hear,  and  if  pity  be  not  exiled  they  may 
lament  the  sequel  of  this  pernicious  and  inordinate  carnal  love, 
the  plague  whereof  is  not  ceased  (although  this  love  lasted  but 
a  while) ,  which  our  Lord  quench ;  and  take  from  us  his  indigna- 
tion !    ^uia  peccavimus  cum  patribus  nostris,  et  injuste  egimus,  etc. 

Ye  shall  understand,  as  I  said  before,  that  there  was  a  court 
erected  in  the  Black  Friars  in  London,  where  these  two  car- 
dinals sat  for  judges.  Now  will  I  set  you  out  the  manner  and 
order  of  the  court  there.  First,  there  was  a  court  placed  with 
tables,  benches,  and  bars,  like  a  consistory,  a  place  judicial  for 
the  judges  to  sit  on.  There  was  also  a  cloth  of  estate  under  the 
which  sat  the  king ;  and  the  queen  sat  some  distance  beneath  the 
king:  under  the  judges' feet  sat  the  officers  of  the  court.  The 
chief  scribe  there  was  Dr.  Stephens  (which  was  after  Bishop 
of  Winchester) ;  the  apparitor  was  one  Cooke,  most  commonly 
called  Cooke  of  Winchester.  Then  sat  there  within  the  said 
court,  directly  before  the  king  and  judges,  the  Archbishop  of 
Canterbury,  Doctor  Warham,  and  all  the  other  bishops.  Then 
at  both  the  ends,  with  a  bar  made  for  them,  the  counsels  on 
both  sides.  The  doctors  for  the  king  was  Doctor  Sampson, 
which  was  after  Bishop  of  Chichester,  and  Doctor  Bell,  which 
after  was  Bishop  of  Worcester,  with  divers  other.  The  proctors 
on  the  king's  part  were  Doctor  Peter,  which  was  after  made  the 
king's  chief  secretary,  and  Doctor  Tregonell,  and  divers  other. 

Now  on  the  other  side  stood  the  counsel  for  the  queen.  Doc- 
tor Fisher,  Bishop  of  Rochester,  and  Doctor  Standish,  some  time 
a  Grey  Friar,  and  then  Bishop  of  St.  Asaph  in  Wales,  two  not- 


m. 


'^^mM.^'^40- 


OJi(>fy,ny '■Jot/u?^^,  f^Jy^n^A' ^Y-  ^  yiof-AeMe^ 


4 
'A 

% 


able  clerks  in  divinity,  and  in  especial  the  Bishop  of  Rochester, 
a  very  godly  man  and  a  devout  person,  who  after  suffered  death 
at  Tower  Hill ;  the  which  was  greatly  lamented  through  all 
the  foreign  Universities  of  Christendom.  There  was  also  an- 
other ancient  doctor,  called,  as  I  do  remember.  Doctor  Ridley, 
a  very  small  person  in  stature,  but  surely  a  great  and  an  excel- 
lent clerk  in  divinity. 

The  court  being  thus  furnished  and  ordered,  the  judges 
commanded  the  crier  to  command  silence;  then  was  the 
judges'  commission,  which  they  had  of  the  pope,  published  and 
read  openly  before  all  the  audience  there  assembled.  That 
done,  the  crier  called  the  king,  by  the  name  of  'King  Harry 
of  England,  come  into  the  court,  etc'  With  that  the  king 
answered  and  said,  *  Here,  my  lords! '  Then  he  called  also  the 
queen,  by  the  name  of  *  Catherine  Queen  of  England,  come 
into  the  court,  etc.;'  who  made  no  answer  to  the  same,  but 
rose  up  incontinent  out  of  her  chair,  where  as  she  sat,  and  be- 
cause she  could  not  come  directly  to  the  king  for  the  distance 
which  severed  them,  she  took  pain  to  go  about  unto  the  king, 
kneeling  down  at  his  feet  in  the  sight  of  all  the  court  and 
assembly,  to  whom  she  said  in  effect,  in  broken  English,  as 
followeth  : 

*  Sir,'  quoth  she,  *  I  beseech  you  for  all  the  loves  that  hath 
been  between  us,  and  for  the  love  of  God,  let  me  have  justice 
and  right,  take  of  me  some  pity  and  compassion,  for  I  am  a 
poor  woman  and  a  stranger  born  out  of  your  dominion,  I  have 
here  no  assured  friend,  and  much  less  indifferent  counsel ;  I  flee 
to  you  as  to  the  head  of  justice  within  this  realm.  Alas!  Sir, 
wherein  have  I  offended  you,  or  what  occasion  of  displeasure 
have  I  designed  against  your  will  and  pleasure?  Intending  (as 
I  perceive)  to  put  me  from  you,  I  take  God  and  all  the  world 
to  witness,  that  I  have  been  to  you  a  true  humble  and  obedient 
wife,  ever  conformable  to  your  will  and  pleasure,  that  never 
said  or  did  anything  to  the  contrary  thereof,  being  always 


82  Cfjeilifeof 

well  pleased  and  contented  with  all  things  wherein  ye  had  any 
delight  or  dalliance,  whether  it  were  in  little  or  much,  I  never 
grudged  in  word  or  countenance,  or  showed  a  visage  or  spark 
of  discontentation.  I  loved  all  those  whom  ye  loved  only  for 
your  sake,  whether  I  had  cause  or  no;  and  whether  they  were 
my  friends  or  my  enemies.  This  twenty  years  I  have  been  your 
true  wife  or  more,  and  by  me  ye  have  had  divers  children, 
although  it  hath  pleased  God  to  call  them  out  of  this  world, 
which  hath  been  no  default  in  me. 

'And  when  ye  had  me  at  the  first,  I  take  God  to  be  my  judge, 
I  was  a  true  maid  without  touch  of  man ;  and  whether  it  be  true 
or  no,  I  put  it  to  your  conscience.   If  there  be  any  just  cause  by 
the  law  that  ye  can  allege  against  me,  either  of  dishonesty  or 
any  other  impediment  to  banish  and  put  me  from  you,  I  am 
well  content  to  depart,  to  my  great  shame  and  dishonour ;  and 
if  there  be  none,  then  here  I  most  lowly  beseech  you  let  me 
remain  in  my  former  estate,  and  receive  justice  at  your  princely 
hands.  The  king  your  father  was  in  the  time  of  his  reign  of 
such  estimation  thorough  the  world  for  his  excellent  wisdom, 
that  he  was  accounted  and  called  of  all  men  the  second  Solo- 
mon; and  my  father  Ferdinand,  King  of  Spain,  who  was  es- 
teemed to  be  one  of  the  wittiest  princes  that  reigned  in  Spain 
many  years  before,  were  both  wise  and  excellent  kings  in  wis- 
dom and  princely  behaviour.   It  is  not  therefore  to  be  doubted, 
but  that  they  elected  and  gathered  as  wise  counsellors  about 
them  as  to  their  high  discretions  was  thought  meet.    Also,  as 
me  seemeth  there  was  in  those  days  as  wise,  as  well-learned 
men,  and  men  of  as  good  judgment  as  be  at  this  present  in  both 
realms,  who  thought  then  the  marriage  between  you  and  me 
good  and  lawful.  Therefore  is  it  a  wonder  to  me  what  new  in- 
ventions are  now  invented  against  me,  that  never  intended  but 
honesty.  And  cause  me  to  stand  to  the  order  and  judgment  of 
this  new  court,  wherein  ye  may  do  me  much  wrong,  if  ye  in- 
tend any  cruelty ;  for  ye  may  condemn  me  for  lack  of  sufficient 


Cartiinal  Wolsit^  83 

answer,  having  no  indifferent  counsel,  but  such  as  be  assigned 
me,  with  whose  wisdom  and  learning  I  am  not  acquainted.  Ye 
must  consider  that  they  cannot  be  indifferent  counsellors  for 
my  part  which  be  your  subjects,  and  taken  out  of  your  own 
council  before,  wherein  they  be  made  privy,  and  dare  not,  for 
your  displeasure,  disobey  your  will  and  intent,  being  once  made 
privy  thereto.  Therefore  I  most  humbly  require  you,  in  the 
way  of  charity,  and  for  the  love  of  God,  who  is  the  just  judge,  to 
spare  the  extremity  of  this  new  court,  until  I  may  be  advertised 
what  way  and  order  my  friends  in  Spain  will  advise  me  to  take. 
And  if  ye  will  not  extend  to  me  so  much  indifferent  favour, 
your  pleasure  then  be  fulfilled,  and  to  God  I  commit  my  case!' 

And  even  with  that  she  rose  up,  making  low  courtesy  to  the 
king,  and  so  departed  from  thence.  Many  supposed  that  she 
would  have  resorted  again  to  her  former  place;  but  she  took 
her  direct  way  out  of  the  house,  leaning  (as  she  was  wont  al- 
ways to  do)  upon  the  arm  of  her  General  Receiver,  called  Mas- 
ter Griffith.  And  the  king  being  advertised  of  her  departure, 
commanded  the  crier  to  call  her  again,  who  called  her  by  the 
name  of  '  Catherine  Queen  of  England,  come  into  the  court, 
etc'  With  that  quoth  Master  Griffith,  *  Madam,  ye  be  called 
again'  *  On,  on,'  quoth  she,  *  it  maketh  no  matter,  for  it  is  no 
indifferent  court  for  me,  therefore  I  will  not  tarry:  go  on  your 
ways.'  And  thus  she  departed  out  of  that  court,  without  any 
farther  answer  at  that  time,  or  at  any  other,  nor  would  never 
appear  at  any  other  court  after. 

The  king  perceiving  that  she  was  departed  in  such  sort,  call- 
ing to  his  Grace's  memory  all  her  lament  words  that  she  had 
pronounced  before  him  and  all  the  audience,  said  thus  in  ef- 
fect: 'Forasmuch,'  quoth  he,  'as  the  queen  is  gone,  I  will,  in 
her  absence,  declare  unto  you  all  my  lords  here  presently  as- 
sembled, she  hath  been  to  me  as  true,  as  obedient,  and  as  con- 
formable a  wife  as  I  could  in  my  fantasy  wish  or  desire.  She 
hath  all  the  virtuous  qualities  that  ought  to  be  in  a  woman  of 


84  %\)t  Htfe  of 

her  dignity,  or  in  any  other  of  baser  estate.  Surely  she  is  also 
a  noble  woman  born,  if  nothing  were  in  her,  but  only  her  con- 
ditions will  well  declare  the  same.'  With  that  quoth  my  Lord 
Cardinal :  *  Sir,  I  most  humbly  beseech  your  Highness  to  declare 

\       me  before  all  this  audience,  whether  I  have  been  the  chief 
/      inventor  or  first  mover  of  this  matter  unto  your  Majesty;  for 

/  I  am  greatly  suspected  of  all  men  herein.'  '  My  Lord  Cardinal,' 
quoth  the  king,  '  I  can  well  excuse  you  herein.  Marry  indeed, 
ye  have  been  rather  against  me  in  attempting  or  setting  forth 
thereof.  And  to  put  you  all  out  of  doubt,  I  will  declare  unto 
you  the  special  cause  that  moved  me  hereunto ;  it  was  a  certain 
scrupulosity  that  pricked  my  conscience  upon  divers  words 
that  were  spoken  at  a  certain  time  by  the  Bishop  of  Bayonne, 
the  French  king's  ambassador,  who  had  been  here  long  upon 
the  debating  for  the  conclusion  of  a  marriage,  to  be  concluded 
between  the  princess  our  daughter  Mary,  and  the  Duke  of 
Orleans,  the  French  king's  second  son. 

'And  upon  the  resolution  and  determination  thereof,  he  de- 

i--  sired  respite  to  advertise  the  king  his  master  thereof,  whether 
our  daughter  Mary  should  be  legitimate,  in  respect  of  the  mar- 

1  riage  which  was  sometime  between  the  queen  here,  and  my 
brother  the  late  Prince  Arthur.  These  words  were  so  conceived 
within  my  scrupulous  conscience,  that  it  bred  a  doubtful  prick 
within  my  breast,  which  doubt  pricked,  vexed,  and  troubled 
so  my  mind,  and  so  disquieted  me,  that  I  was  in  great  doubt 
of  God's  indignation ;  which  (as  seemed  me),  appeared  right 
well;  much  the  rather  for  he  hath  not  sent  me  any  issue  male; 
for  all  such  issue  male  as  I  have  received  of  the  queen  died 
incontinent  after  they  were  born ;  so  that  I  doubt  the  punish- 
ment of  God  in  that  behalf.  Thus  being  troubled  in  waves  of 
a  scrupulous  conscience,  and  partly  in  despair  of  any  issue  male 
by  her,  it  drave  me  at  last  to  consider  the  estate  of  this  realm, 
and  the  danger  it  stood  in  for  lack  of  issue  male  to  succeed  me 
in  this  imperial  dignity.    I  thought  it  good  therefore  in  relief 


Cartiinal  3^olse^  85 

of  the  weighty  burden  of  scrupulous  conscience,  and  the  quiet 
estate  of  this  noble  realm,  to  attempt  the  law  therein,  and 
whether  I  might  take  another  wife  in  case  that  my  first  copu- 
lation with  this  gentlewoman  were  not  lawful ;  which  I  intend 
not  for  any  carnal  concupiscence,  nor  for  any  displeasure  or 
mislike  of  the  queen's  person  or  age,  with  whom  I  could  be  as 
well  content  to  continue  during  my  life,  if  our  marriage  may 
stand  with  God's  law,  as  with  any  woman  alive ;  in  which  point 
consisteth  all  this  doubt  that  we  go  now  about  to  try  by  the 
learned  wisdom  and  judgment  of  you  our  prelates  and  pastors 
of  this  realm  here  assembled  for  that  purpose ;  to  whose  con- 
science and  judgment  I  have  committed  the  charge  according 
to  the  which,  God  willing,  we  will  be  right  well  contented  to 
submit  ourself,  to  obey  the  same  for  my  part.  Wherein  after  I 
once  perceived  my  conscience  wounded  with  the  doubtful  case 
herein,  I  moved  first  this  matter  in  confession  to  you,  my  Lord 
of  Lincoln,  my  ghostly  father.  And  forasmuch  as  then  your- 
self were  in  some  doubt  to  give  me  counsel,  moved  me  to  ask 
farther  counsel  of  all  you  my  lords ;  wherein  I  moved  you  first, 
my  Lord  of  Canterbury,  axing  your  licence,  forasmuch  as  you 
were  our  metropolitan,  to  put  this  matter  in  question ;  and  so 
I  did  of  all  you  my  lords,  to  the  which  ye  have  all  granted  by 
writing  under  all  your  seals,  the  which  I  have  here  to  be 
showed.'  'That  is  truth  if  it  please  your  Highness,'  quoth  the 
Bishop  of  Canterbury,  'I  doubt  not  but  all  my  brethren  here 
present  will  affirm  the  same.'  *  No,  Sir,  not  I,'  quoth  the  Bishop 
of  Rochester,  •  ye  have  not  my  consent  thereto.'  *  No !  ha'  the ! ' 
quoth  the  king, '  look  here  upon  this,  is  not  this  your  hand  and 
seal  ?'  and  showed  him  the  instrument  with  seals.  '  No  forsooth. 
Sire,'  quoth  the  Bishop  of  Rochester,  '  it  is  not  my  hand  nor 
seal ! '  To  that,  quoth  the  king  to  my  Lord  of  Canterbury : 
'Sir,  how  say  jf,  is  it  not  his  hand  and  seal  ?'  'Yes,  Sir,'  quoth 
he.  'That  is  not  so,'  quoth  the  Bishop  of  Rochester,  'for  in- 
deed you  were  in  hand  with  me  to  have  both  my  hand  and  seal. 


86  cje  iLife  of 

as  other  of  my  lords  had  already  done;  but  then  I  said  to  you, 
that  I  would  never  consent  to  no  such  act,  for  it  were  much 
against  my  conscience ;  nor  my  hand  and  seal  should  never  be 
seen  at  any  such  instrument,  God  willing,  with  much  more 
matter  touching  the  same  communication  between  us.'  'You 
say  truth,*  quoth  the  Bishop  of  Canterbury,  'such  words  ye 
said  unto  me;  but  at  the  last  ye  were  fully  persuaded  that  I 
should  for  you  subscribe  your  name,  and  put-to  a  seal  myself, 
and  ye  would  allow  the  same.'  *  All  which  words  and  matter,' 
quoth  the  Bishop  of  Rochester,  'under  your  correction,  my 
lord,  and  supportation  of  this  noble  audience,  there  is  no  thing 
more  untrue,'  'Well,  well,'  quoth  the  king, '  it  shall  make  no 
matter;  we  will  not  stand  with  you  in  argument  herein,  for 
you  are  but  one  man.'  And  with  that  the  court  was  adjourned 
until  the  next  day  of  their  session. 

The  next  court-day  the  cardinals  sat  there  again,  at  which 
time  the  counsels  on  both  sides  were  there  present.  The  king's 
counsel  alleged  the  marriage  not  good  from  the  beginning, 
because  of  the  carnal  knowledge  committed  between  Prince 
Arthur  her  first  husband,  the  king's  brother,  and  her.  This 
matter  being  very  sore  touched  and  maintained  by  the  king's 
counsel ;  and  the  contrary  defended  by  such  as  took  upon  them 
to  be  on  that  other  part  with  the  good  queen  :  and  to  prove 
the  same  carnal  copulation  they  alleged  many  coloured  reasons 
and  similitudes  of  truth.  It  was  answered  again  negatively  on 
the  other  side,  by  which  it  seemed  that  all  their  former  allega- 
tions to  be  very  doubtful  to  be  tried,  so  that  it  was  said  that  no 
man  could  know  the  truth.  '  Yes,'  quoth  the  Bishop  of  Roches- 
ter, '  Ego  nosco  'veritatem.'  'How  know  you  the  truth?'  quoth 
my  Lord  Cardinal.  '  Forsooth,  my  lord,'  quoth  he,  '  Ego  sum 
professor  veritatis.  I  know  that  God  is  truth  itself,  nor  he  never 
spake  but  truth ;  which  said,  quos  Deus  conjunxit  homo  non  sepa- 
ret.  And  forasmuch  as  this  marriage  was  made  and  joined  by 
God  to  a  good  intent,  I  say  that  I  know  the  truth ;  the  which 


Cartiinal  Wol^t^  87 

cannot  be  broken  or  loosed  by  the  power  of  man  upon  no  feigned 
occasion.'  *  So  much  doth  all  faithful  men  know,'  quoth  my 
Lord  Cardinal, 'as  well  as  you.  Yet  this  reason  is  not  sufficient 
in  this  case ;  for  the  king's  counsel  doth  allege  divers  presump- 
tions, to  prove  the  marriage  not  good  at  the  beginning,  ergOy 
say  they,  it  was  not  joined  by  God  at  the  beginning,  and  there- 
fore it  is  not  lawful;  for  God  ordaineth  nor  joineth  nothing 
without  a  just  order.  Therefore  it  is  not  to  be  doubted  but 
that  their  presumptions  must  be  true,  as  it  plainly  appeareth; 
and  nothing  can  be  more  true  in  case  their  allegations  cannot 
be  avoided.  Therefore  to  say  that  the  matrimony  was  joined  of 
God,  ye  must  prove  it  further  than  by  that  text  which  ye  have 
alleged  for  your  matter :  for  ye  must  first  avoid  the  presump- 
tions.' '  Then,'  quoth  one  Doctor  Ridley,  •  it  is  a  shame  and 
a  great  dishonour  to  these  honourable  persons,  that  any  such 
presumptions  should  be  alleged  in  this  open  court,  which  be 
to  all  good  and  honest  men  most  detestable  to  be  rehearsed.' 
'What,'  quoth  my  Lord  Cardinal,  * Domine  Doctor,  magis  re- 
•verenter.'  '  No,  no,  my  lord,'  quoth  he,  *  there  belongeth  no 
reverence  to  be  given  to  these  abominable  presumptions ;  for  an 
unreverent  tale  would  be  unreverently  answered.'  And  there 
they  left,  and  proceeded  no  farther  at  that  time. 

Thus  this  court  passed  from  session  to  session,  and  day  to 
day,  insomuch  that  a  certain  day  the  king  sent  for  my  lord  at 
the  breaking  up  one  day  of  the  court  to  come  to  him  into 
Bridewell.  And  to  accomplish  his  commandment  he  went 
unto  him,  and  being  there  with  him  in  communication  in  his 
Grace's  privy  chamber  from  eleven  unto  twelve  of  the  clock 
and  past,  at  noon,  my  lord  came  out  and  departed  from  the 
king  and  took  his  barge  at  the  Black  Friars  stairs,  and  so  went 
to  his  house  at  Westminster.  The  Bishop  of  Carlisle  being 
with  him  in  his  barge  said  unto  him,  (wiping  the  sweat  from 
his  face),  'Sir,'  quoth  he,  'it  is  a  very  hot  day.'  'Yea,'  quoth 
my  Lord  Cardinal,  'if  ye  had  been  as  well  chafed  as  I  have 


88  %\)t  ilife  o! 

been  within  this  hour,  ye  would  say  it  were  very  hot.'  And 
as  soon  as  he  came  home  to  his  house  at  Westminster,  he  went 
incontinent  to  his  naked  bed,  where  he  had  not  lain  fully  the 
space  of  two  hours,  but  that  my  Lord  of  Wiltshire  came  to 
speak  with  him  of  a  message  from  the  king.  My  lord,  having 
understanding  of  his  coming,  caused  him  to  be  brought  unto 
his  bedside;  and  he  being  there,  showed  that  the  king's  pleas- 
ure was  that  he  should  incontinent  (accompanied  by  the  other 
cardinal)  repair  unto  the  queen  at  Bridewell,  into  her  chamber, 
to  persuade  her  by  their  wisdoms,  advising  her  to  surrender  the 
whole  matter  unto  the  king's  hands  by  her  own  will  and  con- 
sent ;  which  should  be  much  better  to  her  honour  than  to 
stand  to  the  trial  of  the  law  and  to  be  condemned,  which  should 
be  much  to  her  slander  and  defamation.  To  fulfil  the  king's 
pleasure,  quoth  my  lord,  he  was  ready,  and  would  prepare  him 
to  go  thither  out  of  hand,  saying  further  to  my  Lord  of  Wilt- 
shire, *  Ye  and  other  my  lords  of  the  council,  which  be  near 
unto  the  king,  are  not  a  little  to  blame  and  misadvised  to  put 
any  such  fantasies  into  his  head,  whereby  ye  are  the  causers  of 
great  trouble  to  all  this  realm ;  and  at  length  get  you  but  small 
thanks  either  of  God  or  of  the  world,'  with  many  other  vehe- 
ment words  and  sentences  that  was  like  to  ensue  of  this  matter, 
which  words  caused  my  Lord  of  Wiltshire  to  water  his  eyes, 
kneeling  all  this  while  by  my  lord's  bedside,  and  in  conclusion 
departed.  And  then  my  lord  rose  up,  and  made  him  ready, 
taking  his  barge,  and  went  straight  to  Bath  Place  to  the  other 
cardinal ;  and  so  went  together  unto  Bridewell,  directly  to  the 
queen's  lodging  :  and  they,  being  in  her  chamber  of  presence, 
showed  to  the  gentleman  usher  that  they  came  to  speak  with 
the  queen's  grace.  The  gentleman  usher  advertised  the  queen 
thereof  incontinent.  With  that  she  came  out  of  her  privy 
chamber  with  a  skein  of  white  thread  about  her  neck,  into 
the  chamber  of  presence,  where  the  cardinals  were  giving  of 
attendance  upon  her  coming.    At  whose  coming  quoth  she. 


Cartitnal  WolQt^  89 

*  Alack,  my  lords,  I  am  sorry  to  cause  you  to  attend  upon  me  ; 
what  is  your  pleasure  with  me  ? '  *  If  it  please  you,'  quoth  my 
Lord  Cardinal,  *  to  go  into  your  chamber,  we  will  show  you 
the  cause  of  our  coming.'  *  My  lord,'  quoth  she,  *  if  ye  have  any 
thing  to  say,  speak  it  openly  before  all  these  folks  ;  for  I  fear 
nothing  that  ye  can  say  or  allege  against  me,  but  that  I  would  all 
the  world  should  both  hear  and  see  it ;  therefore  I  pray  you 
speak  your  mind  openly.'  Then  began  my  lord  to  speak  to  her 
in  Latin.  *  Nay,  good  my  lord,'  quoth  she,  *  speak  to  me  in  Eng- 
lish, I  beseech  you ;  although  I  understand  Latin.'  '  Forsooth 
then,'  quoth  my  lord, '  Madam,  if  it  please  your  Grace,  we  come 
both  to  know  your  mind,  how  ye  be  disposed  to  do  in  this 
matter  between  the  king  and  you,  and  also  to  declare  secretly 
our  opinions  and  our  counsel  unto  you,  which  we  have  intended 
of  very  zeal  and  obedience  that  we  bear  to  your  Grace.*  *  My 
lords,  I  thank  you  then,'  quoth  she,  *  of  your  good  wills ;  but  to 
make  answer  to  your  request  I  cannot  so  suddenly,  for  I  was  set 
among  my  maidens  at  work,  thinking  full  little  of  any  such  mat- 
ter, wherein  there  needeth  a  longer  deliberation,  and  a  better 
head  than  mine,  to  make  answer  to  so  noble  wise  men  as  ye  be: 
I  had  need  of  good  counsel  in  this  case,  which  toucheth  me  so 
near ;  and  for  any  counsel  or  friendship  that  I  can  find  in  Eng- 
land are  nothing  to  my  purpose  or  profit.  Think  you,  I  pray 
you,  my  lords,  will  any  Englishmen  counsel  or  be  friendly  unto 
me  against  the  king's  pleasure,  they  being  his  subjects  ?  Nay 
forsooth,  my  lords  !  and  for  my  counsel  in  whom  I  do  intend 
to  put  my  trust  be  not  here  ;  they  be  in  Spain,  in  my  native 
country.  Alas,  my  lords !  I  am  a  poor  woman,  lacking  both 
wit  and  understanding  sufficiently  to  answer  such  approved 
wise  men  as  ye  be  both,  in  so  weighty  a  matter.  I  pray  you 
to  extend  your  good  and  indifferent  minds  in  your  authority 
unto  me,  for  I  am  a  simple  woman,  destitute  and  barren  of 
friendship  and  counsel  here  in  a  foreign  region  :  and  as  for 
your  counsel  I  will  not  refuse  but  be  glad  to  hear.' 


90  %f)t  Hife  of 

And  with  that  she  took  my  lord  by  the  hand  and  led  him 
into  her  privy  chamber,  with  the  other  cardinal ;  where  they 
were  in  long  communication :  we,  in  the  other  chamber, 
might  sometimes  hear  the  queen  speak  very  loud,  but  what 
it  was  we  could  not  understand.  The  communication  ended, 
the  cardinals  departed  and  went  directly  to  the  king,  making 
to  him  relation  of  their  talk  with  the  queen ;  and  after  resorted 
home  to  their  houses  to  supper. 

Thus  went  this  strange  case  forward  from  court-day  to 
court-day,  until  it  came  to  judgment,  so  that  every  man  ex- 
pected the  judgment  to  be  given  upon  the  next  court-day.  At 
which  day  the  king  came  hither,  and  sat  within  a  gallery 
against  the  door  of  the  same  that  looked  unto  the  judges  where 
they  sat,  whom  he  might  both  see  and  hear  speak,  to  hear 
what  judgment  they  would  give  in  his  suit ;  at  which  time  all 
their  proceedings  were  first  openly  read  in  Latin.  And  that 
done,  the  king's  learned  counsel  at  the  bar  called  fast  for  judg- 
ment. With  that,  quoth  Cardinal  Campeggio,  *  I  will  give  no 
judgment  herein  until  I  have  made  relation  unto  the  pope  of 
6-^  all  our  proceedings,  whose  counsel  and  commandment  in  this 
high  case  I  will  observe.  The  case  is  too  high  and  notable, 
known  through  all  the  world,  for  us  to  give  any  hasty  judgment, 
considering  the  highness  of  the  persons  and  the  doubtful  allega- 
tions ;  and  also  whose  commissioners  we  be,  under  whose  author- 
ity we  sit  here.  It  were  therefore  reason,  that  we  should  make 
our  chief  head  a  counsel  in  the  same,  before  we  proceed  into 
judgment  definitive.  I  come  not  so  far  to  please  any  man,  for 
fear,  meed,  or  favour,  be  he  king  or  any  other  potentate.  I  have 
no  such  respect  to  the  persons  that  I  will  offend  my  conscience. 
I  will  not  for  favour  or  displeasure  of  any  high  estate  or  mighty 
prince  do  that  thing  that  should  be  against  the  law  of  God.  I  am 
an  old  man,  both  sick  and  impotent,  looking  daily  for  death. 
What  should  it  then  avail  me  to  put  my  soul  in  the  danger  of 
God's  displeasure,  to  my  utter  damnation,  for  the  favour  of  any 


/ 


Cattiinal  i^oliaie^  91 

prince  or  high  estate  in  this  world  ?  My  coming  and  being  here 
is  only  to  see  justice  ministered  according  to  my  conscience,  as 
I  thought  thereby  the  matter  either  good  or  bad.  And  foras- 
much as  I  do  understand,  and  having  perceivance  by  the  alle- 
gations and  negations  in  this  matter  laid  for  both  the  parties, 
that  the  truth  in  this  case  is  very  doubtful  to  be  know^n,  and 
also  that  the  party  defendant  w^ill  make  no  answer  thereunto, 
but  doth  rather  appeal  from  us,  supposing  that  we  be  not  indif- 
ferent, considering  the  king's  high  dignity  and  authority  within 
this  his  own  realm,  which  he  hath  over  his  own  subjects  ;  and 
we  being  his  subjects,  and  having  our  livings  and  dignities  in 
the  same,  she  thinketh  that  we  cannot  minister  true  and  indif- 
ferent justice  for  fear  of  his  displeasure.  Therefore,  to  avoid  all 
these  ambiguities  and  obscure  doubts,  I  intend  not  to  damn 
my  soul  for  no  prince  or  potentate  alive.  I  will  therefore,  God 
willing,  wade  no  farther  in  this  matter,  unless  I  have  the  just 
opinion  and  judgment,  with  the  assent  of  the  pope,  and  such 
other  of  his  counsel  as  hath  more  experience  and  learning  in 
such  doubtful  laws  than  I  have.  Wherefore  I  will  adjourn  this 
court  for  this  time,  according  to  the  order  of  the  court  in  Rome, 
from  whence  this  court  and  jurisdiction  is  derived.  And  if  we 
should  go  further  than  our  commission  doth  warrant  us,  it  were 
folly  and  vain,  and  much  to  our  slander  and  blames ;  and  might 
be  for  the  same  accounted  breakers  of  the  orders  of  the  higher 
court  from  whence  we  have  (as  I  said)  our  original  authorities.' 
With  that  the  court  was  dissolved,  and  no  more  plea  holden. 

With  that  stept  forth  the  Duke  of  Suffolk  from  the  king, 
and  by  his  commandment  spake  these  words,  with  a  stout  and 
hault  countenance,  '  It  was  never,'  quoth  he,  *  merry  in  Eng- 
land, whilst  we  had  cardinals  among  us  : '  which  words  were 
set  forth  both  with  such  a  vehement  countenance,  that  all  men 
marvelled  what  he  intended  ;  to  whom  no  man  made  answer. 
Then  the  duke  spake  again  in  great  despight.  To  the  which 
words  my  Lord  Cardinal,  perceiving  his  vehemency,  soberly 


92  %\)t  Hife  of 

made  answer  and  said,  *  Sir,  of  all  men  within  this  realm,  ye 
have  least  cause  to  dispraise  or  be  offended  with  cardinals  ;  for 
if  I,  simple  cardinal,  had  not  been,  you  should  have  had  at  this 
present  no  head  upon  your  shoulders,  wherein  you  should  have  a 
tongue  to  make  any  such  report  in  despight  of  us,  who  intended 
you  no  manner  of  displeasure ;  nor  have  we  given  you  any  occa- 
sion with  such  despight  to  be  revenged  with  your  hault  words. 
I  would  ye  knew  it,  my  lord,  that  I  and  my  brother  here  in- 
tendeth  the  king  and  his  realm  as  much  honour,  wealth,  and 
quietness,  as  ye  or  any  other,  of  what  estate  or  degree  soever 
he  be,  within  this  realm ;  and  would  as  gladly  accomplish  his 
lawful  desire  as  the  poorest  subject  he  hath.  But,  my  lord, 
I  pray  you,  show  me  what  would  ye  do  if  ye  were  the  king's 
commissioner  in  a  foreign  region,  having  a  weighty  matter  to 
treat  upon  :  and  the  conclusion  being  doubtful  thereof,  would 
ye  not  advertise  the  king's  majesty  or  ever  ye  went  through  with 
the  same  ?  Yes,  yes,  my  lord,  I  doubt  not.  Therefore  I  would  ye 
should  banish  your  hasty  malice  and  despight  out  of  your  heart, 
and  consider  that  we  be  but  commissioners  for  a  time,  and  can, 
ne  may  not,  by  virtue  of  our  commission  proceed  to  judgment, 
without  the  knowledge  and  consent  of  the  chief  head  of  our 
authority,  and  having  his  consent  to  the  same ;  which  is  the 
pope.  Therefore  we  do  no  less  nor  otherwise  than  our  warrant 
will  bear  us;  and  if  any  man  will  be  offended  with  us  therefore, 
he  is  an  unwise  man.  Wherefore,  my  lord,  hold  your  peace, 
and  pacify  yourself,  and  frame  your  tongue  like  a  man  of  honour 
and  of  wisdom,  and  not  to  speak  so  quickly  or  reproachfully  by 
your  friends ;  for  ye  know  best  what  friendship  ye  have  re- 
ceived at  my  hands,  the  which  yet  I  never  revealed  to  no  person 
alive  before  now,  neither  to  my  glory,  nor  to  your  dishonour.' 
And  therewith  the  duke  gave  over  the  matter  without  any  words 
to  reply,  and  so  departed  and  followed  after  the  king,  which 
was  gone  into  Bridewell  at  the  beginning  of  the  duke's  first 
words. 


Cartiinal  Wolst^  93 

This  matter  continued  long  thus,  and  my  Lord  Cardinal  was 
in  displeasure  with  the  king,  for  that  the  matter  in  his  suit  took 
no  better  success,  the  fault  whereof  was  ascribed  much  to  my 
lord,  notwithstanding  my  lord  excused  him  always  by  his  com- 
mission, which  gave  him  no  farther  authority  to  proceed  in 
judgment,  without  knowledge  of  the  pope,  who  reserved  the 
same  to  himself. 

At  the  last  they  were  advertised  by  their  post  that  the  pope 
would  take  deliberation  in  respite  of  judgment  until  his  courts 
were  opened,  which  should  not  be  before  Bartholomew-tide 
next.  The  king,  considering  the  time  to  be  very  long  or  the 
matter  should  be  determined,  thought  it  good  to  send  a  new 
ambassy  to  the  pope,  to  persuade  him  to  show  such  honour- 
able favour  unto  his  Grace,  that  the  matter  might  be  sooner 
ended  than  it  was  likely  to  be,  or  else  at  the  next  court  in  Rome, 
to  rule  the  matter  over,  according  to  the  king's  request. 

To  this  ambassy  was  appointed  Doctor  Stephens,  then  sec- 
retary, that  after  was  made  Bishop  of  Winchester.  Who  went 
thither,  and  there  tarried  until  the  latter  end  of  summer,  as  ye 
shall  hear  after. 

The  king  commanded  the  queen  to  be  removed  out  of  the 
court,  and  sent  to  another  place ;  and  his  Highness  rode  in  his 
progress,  with  Mistress  Anne  Boleyn  in  his  company,  all  the 
green  season. 

It  was  so  that  the  Cardinal  Campeggio  made  suit  to  be  dis- 
charged, that  he  might  return  again  to  Rome.  And  it  chanced 
that  the  secretary,  who  was  the  king's  ambassador  to  the  pope, 
was  returned  from  Rome  ;  whereupon  it  was  determined  that 
the  Cardinal  Campeggio  should  resort  to  the  king  at  Grafton 
in  Northamptonshire,  and  that  my  Lord  Cardinal  should  ac- 
company him  thither,  where  Campeggio  should  take  his  leave 
of  the  king.  And  so  they  took  their  journey  thitherward  from 
the  More,  and  came  to  Grafton  upon  the  Sunday  in  the  morn- 
ing, before  whose  coming  there  rose  in  the  court  divers  opin- 


94  Cf)e  ilife  of 

ions,  that  the  king  would  not  speak  with  my  Lord  Cardinal ; 
and  thereupon  were  laid  many  great  wagers. 

These  two  prelates  being  come  to  the  gates  of  the  court, 
where  they  alighted  from  their  horses,  supposing  that  they 
should  have  been  received  by  the  head  officers  of  the  house  as 
they  were  wont  to  be  ;  yet  forasmuch  as  Cardinal  Campeggio 
was  but  a  stranger  in  effect,  the  said  officers  received  them,  and 
conveyed  him  to  a  lodging  within  the  court,  which  was  pre- 
pared for  him  only.  And  after  my  lord  had  brought  him  thus 
to  his  lodging,  he  left  him  there  and  departed,  supposing  to 
have  gone  directly  likewise  to  his  chamber,  as  he  was  accus- 
tomed to  do.  And  by  the  way  as  he  was  going,  it  was  told  him 
that  he  had  no  lodging  appointed  for  him  in  the  court.  And 
being  therewith  astonished.  Sir  Harry  Norris,  Groom  of  the 
Stole  with  the  king,  came  unto  him  (but  whether  it  was  by 
the  king's  commandment  or  no  I  know  not),  and  most  humbly 
offered  him  his  chamber  for  the  time,  until  another  might 
somewhere  be  provided  for  him  :  *  For,  Sir,  I  assure  you,' 
quoth  he,  '  here  is  very  little  room  in  this  house,  scantly  suffi- 
cient for  the  king ;  therefore  I  beseech  your  Grace  to  accept 
mine  for  the  season.'  Whom  my  lord  thanked  for  his  gentle 
offer,  and  went  straight  to  his  chamber,  where  as  my  lord 
shifted  his  riding  apparel,  and  being  thus  in  his  chamber,  divers 
of  noble  persons  and  gentlemen,  being  his  loving  friends,  came 
to  visit  him  and  to  welcome  him  to  the  court,  by  whom  my 
lord  was  advertised  of  all  things  touching  the  king's  displeasure 
towards  him ;  which  did  him  no  small  pleasure ;  and  caused 
him  to  be  the  more  readily  provided  of  sufficient  excuses  for 
his  defence. 

Then  was  my  lord  advertised  by  Master  Norris,  that  he 
should  prepare  himself  to  give  attendance  in  the  chamber  of 
presence  against  the  king's  coming  thither,  who  was  disposed 
there  to  talk  with  him,  and  with  the  other  cardinal,  who  came 
into  my  lord's  chamber,  and  they  together  went  into  the  said 


Cartiinal  WolQt^  95 

chamber  of  presence,  where  the  lords  of  the  council  stood  in 
a  row  in  order  along  the  chamber.  My  lord  putting  off  his  cap 
to  every  of  them  most  gently,  and  so  did  they  no  less  to  him  : 
at  which  time  the  chamber  was  so  furnished  with  noblemen, 
gentlemen,  and  other  worthy  persons,  that  only  expected  the 
meeting,  and  the  countenance  of  the  king  and  him,  and  what 
entertainment  the  king  made  him. 

Then  immediately  after  came  the  king  into  the  chamber, 
and  standing  there  under  the  cloth  of  estate,  my  lord  kneeled 
down  before  him,  who  took  my  lord  by  the  hand,  and  so  he 
did  the  other  cardinal.  Then  he  took  my  lord  up  by  both  arms 
and  caused  him  to  stand  up,  whom  the  king,  with  as  amiable 
a  cheer  as  ever  he  did,  called  him  aside,  and  led  him  by  the 
hand  to  a  great  window,  where  he  talked  with  him,  and  caused 
him  to  be  covered. 

Then,  to  behold  the  countenance  of  those  that  had  made 
their  wagers  to  the  contrary,  it  would  have  made  you  to  smile ; 
and  thus  were  they  all  deceived,  as  well  worthy  for  their  pre- 
sumption. The  king  was  in  long  and  earnest  communication 
with  him,  insomuch  as  I  heardthe  king  say :  'How  can  that  be: 
is  not  this  your  own  hand  ? '  and  plucked  out  from  his  bosom 
a  letter  or  writing,  and  showed  him  the  same ;  and  as  I  perceived 
that  it  was  answered  so  by  my  lord  that  the  king  had  no  more 
to  say  in  that  matter;  but  said  to  him:  'My  lord,  go  to  your 
dinner,  and  all  my  lords  here  will  keep  you  company;  and  after 
dinner  I  will  resort  to  you  again,  and  then  we  will  commune 
further  with  you  in  this  matter ; '  and  so  departed.  The  king 
dined  that  same  day  with  Mistress  Anne  Boleyn,  in  her  cham- 
ber, who  kept  there  an  estate  more  like  a  queen  than  a  simple 
maid. 

Then  was  a  table  set  up  in  the  chamber  of  presence  for  my 
lord,  and  other  lords  of  the  council,  where  they  all  dined  to- 
gether. And  sitting  thus  at  dinner  communing  of  divers  mat- 
ters, quoth  my  lord,  'It  were  well  done  if  the  king  would  send 


96  '        %f)t  Hife  of 

his  chaplains  and  bishops  to  their  cures  and  benefices.'  '  Yea 
marry,'  quoth  my  Lord  of  Norfolk,  'ye  say  very  well,  and 
so  it  were  for  you  too.'  *I  could  be  contented  therewith  very 
well,'  quoth  my  lord,  'if  it  were  the  king's  pleasure  to  grant  me 
licence,  with  his  favour,  to  go  to  my  benefice  of  Winchester.' 
'Nay,'  quoth  my  Lord  of  Norfolk,  'to  your  benefice  of  York, 
where  consisteth  your  greatest  honour  and  charge.'  'Even  as 
it  shall  please  the  king,'  quoth  my  lord,  and  so  fell  into  other 
communication.  For  the  lords  were  very  loth  to  have  him 
planted  so  nigh  the  king  as  to  be  at  Winchester.  Immediately 
after  dinner  they  fell  in  secret  talk  until  the  waiters  had  dined. 
And  as  I  heard  it  reported  by  them  that  waited  upon  the 
king  at  dinner,  that  Mistress  Anne  Boleyn  was  much  offended 
with  the  king,  as  far  as  she  durst,  that  he  so  gently  entertained 
my  lord,  saying,  as  she  sat  with  the  king  at  dinner,  in  com- 
munication of  him, 'Sir,'  quoth  she,  'is  it  notamarvellousthing 
to  consider  what  debt  and  danger  the  cardinal  hath  brought 
you  in  with  all  your  subjects  ?'  *  How  so,  sweetheart?'  quoth 
the  king.  'Forsooth,'  quoth  she,  'there  is  not  a  man  within 
all  your  realm,  worth  five  pounds,  but  he  hath  indebted  you 
unto  him;  by  his  means '  (meaning  by  a  loan  that  the  king  had 
but  late  of  his  subjects).  'Well,  well,'  quoth  the  king,  'as  for 
that  there  is  in  him  no  blame;  for  I  know  that  matter  better 
than  you,  or  any  other.'  '  Nay,  Sir,'  quoth  she, '  besides  all  that, 
what  things  hath  he  wrought  within  this  realm  to  your  great 
slander  and  dishonour.  There  is  never  a  nobleman  within  this 
realm  that  if  he  had  done  but  half  so  much  as  he  hath  done, 
but  he  were  well  worthy  to  lose  his  head.  If  my  Lord  of  Nor- 
folk, my  Lord  of  Suffolk,  my  lord  my  father,  or  any  other  noble 
person  within  your  realm  had  done  much  less  than  he,  but  they 
should  have  lost  their  heads  or  this.'  '  Why,  then  I  perceive,' 
quoth  the  king,  'ye  are  not  the  cardinal's  friend?'  '  Forsooth, 
Sir,'  then  quoth  she,  '  I  have  no  cause,  nor  any  other  that  lov- 
eth  your  Grace,  no  more  have  your  Grace,  if  ye  consider  well 


Cartiinal  Wolst^  97 

his  doings.'  At  this  time  the  waiters  had  taken  up  the  table, 
and  so  they  ended  their  communication.  Now  ye  may  per- 
ceive the  old  malice  beginneth  to  break  out,  and  newly  to  kindle 
the  brand  that  after  proved  to  a  great  fire,  which  was  as  much 
procured  by  his  secret  enemies,  of  whom  I  touched  something 
before,  as  of  herself. 

After  all  this  communication,  the  dinner  thus  ended,  the 
king  rose  up  and  went  incontinent  into  the  chamber  of  pre- 
sence, where  as  my  lord,  and  other  of  the  lords  were  attending 
his  coming.  He  called  my  lord  into  the  great  window,  and 
talked  with  him  there  a  while  very  secretly.  And  at  the  last, 
the  king  took  my  lord  by  the  hand  and  led  him  into  his  privy 
chamber,  sitting  there  in  consultation  with  him  all  alone  with- 
out any  other  of  the  lords  of  the  council,  until  it  was  night;  the 
which  blanked  his  enemies  very  sore,  and  made  them  to  stir  the 
coals,  being  in  doubt  what  this  matter  would  grow  unto,  having 
now  none  other  refuge  to  trust  to  but  Mistress  Anne,  in  whom 
was  all  their  whole  and  firm  trust  and  afiiance,  without  whom 
they  doubted  all  their  enterprise  but  frustrate  and  void. 

Now  was  I  fain,  being  warned  that  my  lord  had  no  lodging 
in  the  court,  to  ride  into  the  country  to  provide  for  my  lord 
a  lodging ;  so  that  I  provided  a  lodging  for  him  at  a  house  of 
Master  Empson's,  called  Euston,  three  miles  from  Grafton, 
whither  my  lord  came  by  torch  light,  it  was  so  late  or  the  king 
and  he  departed.  At  whose  departing  the  king  commanded 
him  to  resort  again  early  in  the  morning  to  the  intent  they 
might  finish  their  talk  which  they  had  then  begun  and  not 
concluded. 

After  their  departing  my  lord  came  to  the  said  house  at  Eus- 
ton to  his  lodging,  where  he  had  to  supper  with  him  divers  of 
his  friends  of  the  court ;  and  sitting  at  supper,  in  came  to  him 
Doctor  Stephens,  the  secretary,  late  ambassador  unto  Rome; 
but  to  what  intent  he  came  I  know  not;  howbeit  my  lord  took 
it,  that  he  came  to  dissemble  a  certain  obedience  and  love  to- 


98  %fit  Hife  of 

wards  him,  or  else  to  espy  his  behaviour  and  to  hear  his  com- 
munication at  supper.  Notwithstanding  my  lord  bade  him 
welcome,  and  commanded  him  to  sit  down  at  the  table  to  sup- 
per; with  whom  my  lord  had  this  communication,  under  this 
manner.  'Master  Secretary,'  quoth  my  lord,  'ye  be  welcome 
home  out  of  Italy;  when  came  ye  from  Rome?'  'Forsooth,' 
quoth  he,  'I  came  home  almost  a  month  ago.'  'And  where,' 
quoth  my  lord, '  have  you  been  ever  since  ? '  '  Forsooth,'  quoth 
he,  *  following  the  court  this  progress.'  '  Then  have  ye  hunted, 
and  had  good  game  and  pastime.'  'Forsooth,  sir,'  quoth  he, 
'and  so  I  have,  I  thank  the  king's  majesty.'  'What  good  grey- 
hounds have  ye  ?'  quoth  my  lord.  'I  have  some,  sir,'  quoth  he. 
And  thus  in  hunting,  and  like  disports,  passed  they  all  their 
communication  at  supper ;  and  after  supper  my  lord  and  he 
talked  secretly  together,  till  it  was  midnight  or  they  departed. 

The  next  morning  my  lord  rose  early  and  rode  straight  to 
the  court;  at  whose  coming  the  king  was  ready  to  ride,  willing 
my  lord  to  resort  to  the  council  with  the  lords  in  his  absence, 
and  said  he  could  not  tarry  with  him,  commanding  him  to 
return  with  Cardinal  Campeggio,  who  had  taken  his  leave  of 
the  king.  Whereupon  my  lord  was  constrained  to  take  his  leave 
also  of  the  king,  with  whom  the  king  departed  amiably  in  the 
sight  of  all  men.  The  king's  sudden  departing  in  the  morning 
was  by  the  special  labour  of  Mistress  Anne,  who  rode  with 
him,  only  to  lead  him  about,  because  he  should  not  return 
until  the  cardinals  were  gone,  the  which  departed  after  dinner, 
returning  again  towards  the  More. 

The  king  rode  that  morning  to  view  a  ground  for  a  new 
park,  which  is  called  at  this  day  Hartwell  Park,  where  Mis- 
tress Anne  had  made  provision  for  the  king's  dinner,  fearing  his 
return  or  the  cardinals  were  gone. 

Then  rode  my  lord  and  the  other  cardinal  after  dinner  on 
their  way  homeward,  and  so  came  to  the  monastery  of  St.  Al- 
ban's  (whereof  he  himself  was  commendatory),  and  there  lay 


Cartiinal  Wol^t^  99 

one  whole  day;  and  the  next  day  they  rode  to  the  More;  and 
from  thence  the  Cardinal  Campeggio  took  his  journey  towards 
Rome,  with  the  king's  reward;  what  it  was  I  am  uncertain. 
Nevertheless,  after  his  departure,  the  king  was  informed  that 
he  carried  with  him  great  treasures  of  my  lord's  (conveyed  in 
great  tuns),  notable  sums  of  gold  and  silver  to  Rome,  whither 
they  surmised  my  lord  would  secretly  convey  himself  out  of 
this  realm.  Insomuch  that  a  post  was  sent  speedily  after  the 
cardinal  to  search  him ;  whom  they  overtook  at  Calais,  where 
he  was  stayed  until  search  was  made ;  there  was  not  so  much 
money  found  as  he  received  of  the  king's  reward,  and  so  he 
was  dismissed  and  went  his  way. 

After  Cardinal  Campeggio  was  thus  departed  and  gone, 
Michaelmas  Term  drew  near,  against  the  which  my  lord  re- 
turned unto  his  house  at  Westminster ;  and  when  the  term 
began,  he  went  to  the  hall  in  such  like  sort  and  gesture  as  he 
was  wont  most  commonly  to  do,  and  sat  in  the  chancery,  being 
Chancellor.  After  which  day  he  never  sat  there  more.  The 
next  day  he  tarried  at  home,  expecting  the  coming  of  the  two 
Dukes,  of  Suffolk  and  Norfolk,  which  came  not  that  day ;  but 
the  next  day  they  came  unto  him  ;  to  whom  they  declared  how 
the  king's  pleasure  was  that  he  should  surrender  and  deliver  up 
the  great  seal  into  their  hands,  and  to  depart  simplily  unto  Esher, 
a  house  situate  nigh  Hampton  Court,  belonging  to  the  Bishop  of 
Winchester.  My  lord  understanding  their  message,  demanded 
of  them  what  commission  they  had  to  give  him  any  such  com- 
mandment ?  Who  answered  him  again,  that  they  were  sufficient 
commissioners  in  that  behalf,  having  the  king's  commandment 
by  his  mouth  so  to  do.  *  Yet,'  quoth  he, '  that  is  not  sufficient 
for  me,  without  a  further  commandment  of  the  king's  pleasure ; 
for  the  great  seal  of  England  was  delivered  me  by  the  king's 
own  person,  to  enjoy  during  my  life,  with  the  ministration  of 
the  office  and  high  room  of  chancellorship  of  England :  for 
my  surety  whereof,  I  have  the  king's  letters  patent  to  show.' 


Which  matter  was  greatly  debated  between  the  dukes  and  him, 
with  many  stout  words  between  them  ;  whose  words  and  checks 
he  took  in  patience  for  the  time :  insomuch  that  the  dukes  were 
fain  to  depart  again  without  their  purpose  at  that  present ;  and 
returned  again  unto  Windsor  to  the  king :  and  what  report  they 
made  I  cannot  tell;  howbeit,  the  next  day  they  came  again 
from  the  king,  bringing  with  them  the  king's  letters.  After  the 
receipt  and  reading  of  the  same  by  my  lord,  which  was  done 
with  much  reverence,  he  delivered  unto  them  the  great  seal, 
contented  to  obey  the  king's  high  commandment ;  and  seeing 
that  the  king's  pleasure  was  to  take  his  house,  with  the  contents, 
was  well  pleased  simply  to  depart  to  Esher,  taking  nothing  but 
only  some  provision  for  his  house. 

And  after  long  talk  between  the  dukes  and  him,  they  de- 
parted, with  the  great  seal  of  England,  to  Windsor,  unto  the 
king.  Then  went  my  Lord  Cardinal  and  called  all  officers  in 
every  office  in  his  house  before  him,  to  take  account  of  all  such 
stuff  as  they  had  in  charge.  And  in  his  gallery  there  was  set 
divers  tables,  whereupon  a  great  number  of  rich  stuff  of  silk, 
in  whole  pieces,  of  all  colours,  as  velvet,  satin,  damask,  caffa, 
taffeta,  grograine,  sarcenet,  and  of  other  not  in  my  remem- 
brance ;  also  there  lay  a  thousand  pieces  of  fine  holland  cloth, 
whereof  as  I  heard  him  say  afterward,  there  was  five  hundred 
pieces  thereof,  conveyed  both  from  the  king  and  him. 

Furthermore  there  was  also  all  the  walls  of  the  gallery 
hanged  with  cloths  of  gold,  and  tissue  of  divers  makings,  and 
cloths  of  silver  likewise  on  both  the  sides ;  and  rich  cloths  of 
baudkin,  of  divers  colours.  There  hung  also  the  richest  suits 
of  copes  of  his  own  provision,  which  he  caused  to  be  made  for 
his  colleges  of  Oxford  and  Ipswich,  that  ever  I  saw  in  England. 
Then  had  he  two  chambers  adjoining  to  the  gallery,  the  one 
called  the  gilt  chamber,  and  the  other  called,  most  commonly, 
the  council  chamber,  wherein  were  set  in  each  two  broad  and 
long  tables,  upon  tressels,  whereupon  was  set  such  a  number  of 


CarDmal  Wol^t^ 


lOI 


plate  of  all  sorts,  as  were  almost  incredible.  In  the  gilt  cham- 
ber was  set  out  upon  the  tables  nothing  but  all  gilt  plate;  and  a 
cupboard  standing  under  a  window  was  garnished  wholly  with 
plate  of  clean  gold,  whereof  some  was  set  with  pearl  and  rich 
stones.  And  in  the  council  chamber  was  set  all  white  plate  and 
parcel-gilt ;  and  under  the  tables,  in  both  the  chambers,  were  set 
baskets  with  old  plate,  which  was  not  esteemed  but  for  broken 
plate  and  old,  not  worthy  to  be  occupied,  and  books  counting 
the  value  and  weight  of  every  parcel  laid  by  them  ready  to  be 
seen ;  and  so  was  also  books  set  by  all  manner  of  stuff,  containing 
the  contents  of  every  thing.  Thus  every  thing  being  brought 
into  good  order  and  furnished,  he  gave  the  charge  of  the  deliv- 
ery thereof  unto  the  king,  to  every  officer  within  his  office,  of 
such  stuff  as  they  had  before  in  charge,  by  indenture  of  every 
parcel ;  for  the  order  of  his  house  was  such,  as  that  every  officer 
was  charged  by  indenture  with  all  such  parcels  as  belonged  to 
their  office. 

Then  all  things  being  ordered  as  it  is  before  rehearsed,  my 
lord  prepared  him  to  depart  by  water.  And  before  his  depart- 
ing, he  commanded  Sir  William  Gascoigne,  his  treasurer,  to  see 
these  things  before  remembered  delivered  safely  to  the  king  at 
his  repair.  That  done,  the  said  Sir  William  said  unto  my  lord, 
•  Sir,  I  am  sorry  for  your  Grace,  for  I  understand  ye  shall  go 
straightway  to  the  Tower.'  *  Is  this  the  good  comfort  and 
counsel,'  quoth  my  lord,  *  that  ye  can  give  your  master  in  ad- 
versity ?  It  hath  been  always  your  natural  inclination  to  be  very 
light  of  credit ;  and  much  more  lighter  in  reporting  of  false 
news.  I  would  ye  should  know.  Sir  William,  and  all  other  such 
blasphemers,  that  it  is  nothing  more  false  than  that,  for  I  never 
(thanks  be  to  God)  deserved  by  no  ways  to  come  there  under 
any  arrest,  although  it  has  pleased  the  king  to  take  my  house 
ready  furnished  for  his  pleasure  at  this  time.  I  would  all  the 
world  knew,  and  so  I  confess,  to  have  nothing,  either  riches, 
honour,  or  dignity,  that  hath  not  grown  of  him  and  by  him  ; 


102  %fftW.itt  of 

therefore  it  is  my  very  duty  to  surrender  the  same  to  him  again 
as  his  very  own,  vi^ith  all  my  heart,  or  else  I  were  an  unkind 
servant.  Therefore,  go  your  ways,  and  give  good  attendance 
unto  your  charge,  that  nothing  be  embezzled.'  And  there- 
withal he  made  him  ready  to  depart,  with  all  his  gentlemen 
and  yeomen,  which  was  no  small  number,  and  took  his  barge 
at  his  privy  stairs,  and  so  went  by  water  unto  Putney,  where  all 
his  horses  waited  his  coming.  And  at  the  taking  of  his  barge 
there  was  no  less  than  a  thousand  boats  full  of  men  and  women 
of  the  city  of  London,  wafFeting  up  and  down  in  Thames, 
expecting  my  lord's  departing,  supposing  that  he  should  have 
gone  directly  from  thence  to  the  Tower,  whereat  they  rejoiced, 
and  I  dare  be  bold  to  say  that  the  most  part  never  received  dam- 
age at  his  hands. 

O  wavering  and  new-fangled  multitude !  Is  it  not  a  won- 
der to  consider  the  inconstant  mutability  of  this  uncertain 
world  !  The  common  people  always  desiring  alterations  and 
novelties  of  things  for  the  strangeness  of  the  case ;  which 
after  turneth  them  to  small  profit  and  commodity.  For  if  the 
sequel  of  this  matter  be  well  considered  and  digested,  ye  shall 
understand  that  they  had  small  cause  to  triumph  at  his  fall. 
What  hath  succeeded  all  wise  men  doth  know,  and  the  com- 
mon sort  of  them  hath  felt.  Therefore  to  grudge  or  wonder 
at  it,  surely  were  but  folly ;  to  study  a  redress,  I  see  not  how 
it  can  be  holpen,  for  the  inclination  and  natural  disposition  of 
Englishmen  is,  and  hath  always  been,  to  desire  alteration  of 
officers,  which  hath  been  thoroughly  fed  with  long  continu- 
ance in  their  rooms  with  sufficient  riches  and  possessions  ;  and 
they  being  put  out,  then  cometh  another  hungry  and  a  lean 
officer  in  his  place,  that  biteth  nearer  the  bone  than  the  old. 
So  the  people  be  ever  pilled  and  polled  with  hungry  dogs, 
through  their  own  desire  of  change  of  new  officers,  nature 
hath  so  wrought  in  the  people,  that  it  will  not  be  redressed. 
Wherefore  I  cannot  see  but  always  men  in  authority  be  dis- 


Cartitnall^olse?  103 

dained  with  the  common  sort  of  men  ;  and  such,  most  of  all, 
that  justly  ministereth  equity  to  all  men  indifferently.  For 
where  they  please  some  one  which  receiveth  the  benefit  of 
the  law  at  his  hands  according  to  justice,  there  doth  they  in 
like  wise  displease  the  contrary  party,  who  supposeth  to  sustain 
great  wrong,  where  they  have  equity  and  right.  Thus  all  good 
justicers  be  always  in  contempt  with  some  for  executing  of  in- 
differency .  And  yet  such  ministers  must  be,  for  if  there  should 
be  no  ministers  of  justice  the  world  should  run  full  of  error  and 
abomination,  and  no  good  order  kept,  no  quietness  among  the 
people.  There  is  no  good  man  but  he  will  commend  such 
justicers  as  dealeth  uprightly  in  their  rooms,  and  rejoice  at  their 
continuance  and  not  at  their  fall ;  and  whether  this  be  true  or 
no,  I  put  me  to  the  judgment  of  all  discreet  persons.  Now  let 
us  leave,  and  begin  again  where  we  left. 

When  he  was  with  all  his  train  arrived  and  landed  at  Put- 
ney, he  took  his  mule,  and  every  man  his  horse.  And  set- 
ting forth,  not  past  the  length  of  a  pair  of  garden  butts,  he 
espied  a  man  coming  riding  empost  down  the  hill,  in  Putney 
town,  demanding  of  his  footmen  who  they  thought  it  should 
be.  And  they  answered  again  and  said,  that  they  supposed  it 
should  be  Sir  Harry  Norris.  And  by-and-bye  he  came  to  my 
lord  and  saluted  him,  and  said,  *  that  the  king's  majesty  had 
him  commended  to  his  Grace,  and  willed  him  in  any  wise  to 
be  of  good  cheer,  for  he  was  as  much  in  his  Highness's  favour 
as  ever  he  was,  and  so  shall  be.'  And  in  token  thereof,  he 
delivered  him  a  ring  of  gold,  with  a  rich  stone,  which  ring 
he  knew  very  well,  for  it  was  always  the  privy  token  between 
the  king  and  him  whensoever  the  king  would  have  any  spe- 
cial matter  dispatched  at  his  hands  ;  and  said  furthermore, 
*  that  the  king  commanded  him  to  be  of  good  cheer,  and  take 
no  thought,  for  he  should  not  lack.  And  although  the  king 
hath  dealt  with  you  unkindly  as  ye  suppose,  he  saith  that  it  is 
for  no  displeasure  that  he  beareth  you,  but  only  to  satisfy  more 


I04  Cijeilifeof 

the  minds  of  some  (which  he  knoweth  be  not  your  friends) 
than  for  any  indignation  :  and  also  ye  know  right  well  that  he 
is  able  to  recompense  you  with  twice  as  much  as  your  goods 
amounteth  to  ;  and  all  this  he  bade  me  that  I  should  show  you; 
therefore,  sir,  take  patience.  And  for  my  part  I  trust  to  see  you 
in  better  estate  than  ever  ye  were.'  But  when  he  heard  Master 
Norris  rehearse  all  the  good  and  comfortable  words  of  the  king, 
he  quickly  lighted  from  off  his  mule,  all  alone,  as  though  he  had 
been  the  youngest  person  amongst  us,  and  incontinent  kneeled 
down  in  the  dirt  upon  both  his  knees,  holding  up  his  hands  for 
joy.  Master  Norris  perceiving  him  so  quickly  from  his  mule 
upon  the  ground,  mused,  and  was  astonied  therewith.  And 
therewith  he  alighted  also,  and  kneeled  by  him,  embracing 
him  in  his  arms,  and  asked  him  how  he  did,  calling  upon  him 
to  credit  his  message.  *  Master  Norris,'  quoth  he,  *  when  I  con- 
sider your  comfortable  and  joyful  news,  I  can  do  no  less  than  to 
rejoice,  for  the  sudden  joy  surmounted  my  memory,  having  no 
respect  neither  to  the  place  or  time,  but  thought  it  my  very 
bounden  duty  to  render  thanks  to  God  my  maker,  and  to  the 
king  my  sovereign  lord  and  master,  who  hath  sent  me  such 
comfort,  in  the  very  place  where  I  received  the  same.' 

And  talking  with  Master  Norris  upon  his  knees  in  the  mire, 
he  would  have  pulled  off  his  under  cap  of  velvet,  but  he  could 
not  undo  the  knot  under  his  chin ;  wherefore  with  violence 
he  rent  the  laces  and  pulled  it  from  his  head,  and  so  kneeled 
bare-headed.  And  that  done,  he  covered  again  his  head,  and 
arose,  and  would  have  mounted  his  mule,  but  he  could  not 
mount  again  with  such  agility  as  he  lighted  before,  where  his 
footmen  had  as  much  ado  to  set  him  in  his  saddle  as  they  could 
have.  Then  rode  he  forth  up  the  hill  into  the  town,  talking 
with  Master  Norris.  And  when  he  came  upon  Putney  Heath, 
Master  Norris  took  his  leave  and  would  have  departed.  Then 
quoth  my  lord  unto  him,  '  Gentle  Norris,  if  I  were  lord  of  a 
realm,  the  one  half  thereof  were  insufficient  a  reward  to  give 


Cardinal  3^olsep  105 

you  for  your  pains,  and  good  comfortable  news.  But,  good 
Master  Norris,  consider  with  me,  that  I  have  nothing  left  me 
but  my  clothes  on  my  back.  Therefore  I  desire  you  to  take 
this  small  reward  of  my  hands  ;'  the  which  was  a  little  chain 
of  gold,  made  like  a  bottle  chain,  with  a  cross  of  gold  hang- 
ing thereat,  wherein  was  a  piece  of  the  Holy  Cross,  which  he 
ware  continually  about  his  neck,  next  his  skin  ;  and  said  fur- 
thermore, *  I  assure  you.  Master  Norris,  that  when  I  was  in 
prosperity,  although  it  seemed  but  small  in  value,  yet  I  would 
not  gladly  have  departed  with  it  for  the  value  of  a  thousand 
pounds.  Therefore  I  beseech  you  to  take  it  in  gree,  and  wear  it 
about  your  neck  for  my  sake,  and  as  often  as  ye  shall  happen 
to  look  upon  it,  have  me  in  remembrance  to  the  king's  majesty, 
as  opportunity  shall  serve  you,  unto  whose  highness  and  clem- 
ency, I  desire  you  to  have  me  most  lowly  commended;  for 
whose  charitable  disposition  towards  me,  I  can  do  nothing  but 
only  minister  my  prayer  unto  God  for  the  preservation  of  his 
royal  estate,  long  to  reign  in  honour,  health,  and  quiet  life.  I  am 
his  obedient  subject,  vassal,  and  poor  chaplain,  and  do  so  intend, 
God  willing,  to  be  during  my  life,  accounting  that  of  myself  I  am 
of  no  estimation  nor  of  no  substance,  but  only  by  him  and  of 
him,  whom  I  love  better  than  myself,  and  have  justly  and  truly 
served,  to  the  best  of  my  gross  wit.'  And  with  that  he  took 
Master  Norris  by  the  hand  and  bade  him  farewell.  And  being 
gone  but  a  small  distance,  he  returned,  and  called  Master  Nor- 
ris again,  and  when  he  was  returned,  he  said  unto  him  :  *  I  am 
sorry,'  quoth  he,  '  that  I  have  no  condign  token  to  send  to  the 
king.  But  if  ye  would  at  this  my  request  present  the  king  with 
this  poor  fool,  I  trust  his  Highness  would  accept  him  well,  for 
surely  for  a  nobleman's  pleasure  he  is  worth  a  thousand  pounds.' 
So  Master  Norris  took  the  fool  with  him ;  with  whom  my 
lord  was  fain  to  send  six  of  his  tall  yeomen,  to  conduct  and  con- 
vey the  fool  to  the  court ;  for  the  poor  fool  took  on  and  fired 
so  in  such  a  rage  when  he  saw  that  he  must  needs  depart  from 


io6  %fit%iit  of 

my  lord.  Yet  notwithstanding  they  conveyed  him  with  Master 
Norris  to  the  court,  where  the  king  received  him  most  gladly. 

After  the  departure  of  Master  Norris  with  his  token  to  the 
king,  my  lord  rode  straight  to  Esher,  a  house  appertaining  to 
the  Bishoprick  of  Winchester,  situate  within  the  county  of 
Surrey,  not  far  from  Hampton  Court,  where  my  lord  and  his 
family  continued  the  space  of  three  or  four  weeks,  without 
beds,  sheets,  table-cloths,  cups,  and  dishes  to  eat  our  meat,  or 
to  lie  in.  Howbeit,  there  was  good  provision  of  all  kind  of 
victuals,  and  of  drink,  both  beer  and  wine,  whereof  there  was 
sufficient  and  plenty.  My  lord  was  of  necessity  compelled  to 
borrow  of  the  Bishop  of  Carlisle,  and  of  Sir  Thomas  Arundell, 
both  dishes  to  eat  his  meat  in,  and  plate  to  drink  in,  and  also 
linen  cloths  to  occupy.  And  thus  continued  he  in  this  strange 
estate  until  the  feast  of  All-hallowtide  was  past. 

It  chanced  me  upon  All-hallow  day  in  the  morning  to  come 
there  into  the  Great  Chamber  to  give  mine  attendance,  where 
I  found  Master  Cromwell  leaning  in  the  great  window,  with 
a  Primer  in  his  hand,  saying  of  Our  Lady  mattins;  which  had 
been  since  a  very  strange  sight.  He  prayed  not  more  earnestly 
than  the  tears  distilled  from  his  eyes.  Whom  I  bade  good 
morrow.  And  with  that  I  perceived  the  tears  upon  his  cheeks. 
To  whom  I  said,  '  Why,  Master  Cromwell,  what  meaneth  all 
this  your  sorrow?  Is  my  lord  in  any  danger,  for  whom  ye 
lament  thus  ?  or  is  it  for  any  loss  that  ye  have  sustained  by  any 
misadventure .? ' 

'  Nay,  nay,'  quoth  he,  •  it  is  my  unhappy  adventure,  which 
am  like  to  lose  all  that  I  have  travailed  for  all  the  days  of  my 
life,  for  doing  of  my  master  true  and  diligent  service.'  *  Why, 
sir,'  quoth  I,  *  I  trust  ye  be  too  wise,  to  commit  any  thing  by 
my  lord's  commandment,  otherwise  than  ye  ought  to  do  of 
right,  whereof  ye  have  cause  to  doubt  of  loss  of  your  goods.' 
'  Well,  well,'  quoth  he,  *  I  cannot  tell ;  but  all  things  I  see 
before  mine  eyes,  is  as  it  is  taken  ;  and  this  I  understand  right 


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Cartiinal  WolQt^  107 

well,  that  I  am  in  disdain  with  most  men  for  my  master's 
sake ;  and  surely  without  just  cause.  Howbeit,  an  ill  name 
once  gotten  will  not  lightly  be  put  away.  I  never  had  any 
promotion  by  my  lord  to  the  increase  of  my  living.  And  thus 
much  will  I  say  to  you,  that  I  intend,  God  willing,  this  after- 
noon, when  my  lord  hath  dined,  to  ride  to  London,  and  so  to 
the  court,  where  I  will  either  make  or  mar  or  I  come  again. 
I  will  put  myself  in  the  press,  to  see  what  any  man  is  able  to 
lay  to  my  charge  of  untruth  or  misdemeanour.'  'Marry,  sir,' 
quoth  I,  'in  so  doing,  in  my  conceit,  ye  shall  do  very  well  and 
wisely,  beseeching  God  to  be  your  guide,  and  send  you  good 
luck,  even  as  I  would  myself.'  And  with  that  I  was  called 
into  the  closet,  to  see  and  prepare  all  things  ready  for  my  lord, 
who  intended  that  day  to  say  mass  there  himself;  and  so  I  did. 

And  then  my  lord  came  thither  with  his  chaplain,  one  Doc- 
tor Marshall,  saying  first  his  mattins,  and  heard  two  masses  on 
his  knees.  And  then  after  he  was  confessed,  he  himself  said 
mass.  And  when  he  had  finished  mass,  and  all  his  divine  service, 
returned  into  his  chamber,  where  he  dined  among  divers  of  his 
doctors,  where  as  Master  Cromwell  dined  also  ;  and  sitting  at 
dinner,  it  chanced  that  my  lord  commended  the  true  and  faith- 
ful service  of  his  gentlemen  and  yeomen.  Whereupon  Master 
Cromwell  took  an  occasion  to  say  to  my  lord,  that  in  conscience 
he  ought  to  consider  their  truth  and  loyal  service  that  they  did 
him,  in  this  his  present  necessity,  which  never  forsaketh  him  in 
all  his  trouble. 

'  It  shall  be  well  done,  therefore,'  said  he,  *  for  your  Grace  to 
call  them  before  you,  all  these  your  most  worthy  gentlemen  and 
right  honest  yeomen,  and  let  them  understand,  that  ye  right 
well  consider  their  patience,  truth,  and  faithfulness;  and  then 
give  them  your  commendation,  with  good  words  and  thanks, 
the  which  shall  be  to  them  great  courage  to  sustain  your  mis- 
hap in  patient  misery,  and  to  spend  their  life  and  substance  in 
your  service.' 


io8  'Cf)e  ilife  of 

•  Alas,  Thomas,'  quoth  my  lord  unto  him,  •  ye  know  I  have 
nothing  to  give  them,  and  words  without  deeds  be  not  often 
well  taken.   For  if  I  had  but  as  I  have  had  of  late,  I  would  de- 
part with  them  so  frankly  as  they  should  be  well  content :  but 
nothing  hath  no  savour ;  and  I  am  ashamed,  and  also  sorry  that 
I  am  not  able  to  requite  their  faithful  service.   And  although 
I  have  cause  to  rejoice,  considering  the  fidelity  that  I  perceive  in 
the  number  of  my  servants,  who  will  not  depart  from  me  in  my 
miserable  estate,  but  be  as  diligent,  obedient,  and  serviceable 
about  me  as  they  were  in  my  great  triumphant  glory,  yet  do  I 
lament  again  the  want  of  substance  to  distribute  among  them.' 
'Why,  sir,'  quoth  Master  Cromwell,  'have  ye  not  here  a  num- 
ber of  chaplains,  to  whom  ye  have  departed  very  liberally  with 
spiritual  promotions  ?  insomuch  as  some  may  dispend,  by  your 
Grace's  preferment,  a  thousand  marks  by  the  year,  and  some  five 
hundred  marks,  and  some  more,  and  some  less  ?  ye  have  no  one 
chaplain  within  all  your  house,  or  belonging  unto  you,  but  he 
may  dispend  at  the  least  well,  by  your  procurement  and  prefer- 
ment, three  hundred  marks  yearly,  who  had  all  the  profits  and 
advantages  at  your  hands,  and  these  your  servants  none  at  all ; 
and  yet  hath  your  poor  servants  taken  much  more  pain  for  you 
in  one  day  than  all  your  idle  chaplains  hath  done  in  a  year. 
Therefore  if  they  will  not  freely  and  frankly  consider  your  lib- 
erality, and  depart  with  you  of  the  same  goods  gotten  in  your 
service,  now  in  your  great  indigence  and  necessity,  it  is  pity 
that  they  live ;  and  all  the  world  will  have  them  in  indignation 
and  hatred,  for  their  abominable  ingratitude  to  their  master 
and  lord.' 

*  I  think  no  less,  Thomas,'  quoth  my  lord,  ♦  wherefore,  cause 
all  my  servants  be  called  and  to  assemble  without,  in  my  great 
chamber,  after  dinner,  and  see  them  stand  in  order,  and  I  will 
declare  unto  them  my  mind,  according  to  your  advice.'  After 
that  the  board's  end  was  taken  up.  Master  Cromwell  came  to 
me  and  said, '  Heard  you  not  what  my  lord  said  even  now? ' 


Cardinal  Wolst^  109 

*Yes,  sir/ quoth  I,  'that  I  did.'  'Well,  then,' quoth  he,  'assem- 
ble all  my  lord's  servants  up  in  the  great  chamber ; '  and  so 
I  did,  and  when  they  were  all  there  assembled,  I  assigned  all  the 
gentlemen  to  stand  on  the  right  side  of  the  chamber,  and 
the  yeomen  on  the  left  side.  And  at  the  last  my  lord  came 
thither,  apparelled  in  a  white  rocket  upon  a  violet  gown  of 
cloth  like  a  bishop's,  who  went  straight  into  the  great  window. 
Standing  there  a  while,  and  his  chaplains  about  him,  beholding 
the  number  of  his  servants  divided  into  two  parts,  he  could  not 
speak  unto  them  for  tenderness  of  his  heart ;  the  flood  of  tears 
that  distilled  from  his  eyes  declared  no  less :  the  which  per- 
ceived by  his  servants,  caused  the  fountains  of  water  to  gush  out 
of  their  faithful  hearts  down  their  cheeks,  in  such  abundance 
as  it  would  cause  a  cruel  heart  to  lament.  At  the  last,  after  he 
had  turned  his  face  to  the  wall,  and  wiped  his  eyes  with  his 
handkerchief,  he  spake  to  them  after  this  sort  in  effect :  '  Most 
faithful  gentlemen  and  true-hearted  yeomen,  I  do  not  only  la- 
ment to  see  your  personal  presence  about  me,  but  I  do  lament 
my  negligent  ingratitude  towards  you  all  on  my  behalf,  in 
whom  hath  been  a  great  default,  that  in  my  prosperity  hath 
not  done  for  you  so  much  as  I  might  have  done,  either  in  word 
or  deed,  which  was  then  in  my  power  to  do :  but  then  I  knew 
not  my  jewels  and  special  treasures  that  I  had  of  you  my  faithful 
servants  in  my  house ;  but  now  approved  experience  hath  taught 
me,  and  with  the  eyes  of  my  discretion,  which  before  were  hid, 
I  do  perceive  well  the  same.  There  was  never  thing  that  re- 
pented me  more  that  ever  I  did  than  both  the  remembrance 
of  my  oblivious  negligence  and  ungentleness,  that  I  have  not 
promoted  or  preferred  you  to  condign  rooms  and  preferments, 
according  to  your  demerits.  Howbeit,  it  is  not  unknown  to 
you  all,  that  I  was  not  so  well  furnished  of  temporal  advance- 
ments, as  I  was  of  spiritual  preferments.  And  if  I  should  have 
promoted  you  to  any  of  the  king's  offices  and  rooms,  then  should 
I  have  incurred  the  indignation  of  the  king's  servants,  who 


no  Cfjeilifeof 

would  not  much  let  to  report  in  every  place  behind  my  back, 
that  there  could  no  office  or  room  in  the  king's  gift  escape  the 
cardinal  and  his  servants,  and  thus  should  I  incur  the  obloquy 
and  slander  before  the  whole  world.  But  now  it  has  come  to 
this  pass,  that  it  hath  pleased  the  king  to  take  all  that  ever  I 
have  into  his  possession,  so  that  I  have  nothing  left  me  but  my 
bare  clothes  upon  my  back,  the  which  be  but  simple  in  com- 
parison to  those  that  ye  have  seen  me  have  or  this:  howbeit, 
if  they  may  do  you  any  good  or  pleasure,  I  would  not  stick  to 
divide  them  among  you,  yea,  and  the  skin  of  my  back,  if  it 
might  countervail  any  thing  in  value  among  you.  But,  good 
gentlemen  and  yeomen,  my  trusty  and  faithful  servants,  of 
whom  no  prince  hath  the  like,  in  my  opinion,  I  most  heartily 
require  you  to  take  with  me  some  patience  a  little  while,  for  I 
doubt  not  but  that  the  king,  considering  the  offence  suggested 
against  me  by  my  mortal  enemies,  to  be  of  small  effect,  will 
shortly,  I  doubt  not,  restore  me  again  to  my  livings,  so  that 
I  shall  be  more  able  to  divide  some  part  thereof  yearly  among 
you,  whereof  ye  shall  be  well  assured.  For  the  surplusage  of 
my  revenues,  whatsoever  shall  remain  at  the  determination  of 
my  accompts,  shall  be,  God  willing,  distributed  among  you. 
For  I  will  never  hereafter  esteem  the  goods  and  riches  of  this 
uncertain  world  but  as  a  vain  thing,  more  than  shall  be  suffi- 
cient for  the  maintenance  of  mine  estate  and  dignity,  that  God 
hath  or  shall  call  me  unto  in  this  world  during  my  life.  And 
if  the  king  do  not  thus  shortly  restore  me,  then  will  I  see  you 
bestowed  according  to  your  own  requests,  and  write  for  you, 
either  to  the  king,  or  to  any  other  noble  person  within  this 
realm,  to  retain  you  into  service;  for  I  doubt  not  but  the  king, 
or  any  nobleman,  or  worthy  gentleman  of  this  realm,  will  credit 
my  letter  in  your  commendation.  Therefore,  in  the  mean  time, 
mine  advice  is,  that  ye  repair  home  to  your  wives,  such  as  hath 
any:  and  such  among  you  as  hath  none,  to  take  this  time  to 
visit  your  parents  and  friends  in  the  country.    There  is  none 


Cartiinal  l^olsep 


III 


of  you  all,  but  once  in  a  year  would  require  license  to  visit  your 
wives  and  other  of  your  friends:  take  this  time,  I  pray  you,  in 
respect  thereof,  and  at  your  return  I  will  not  refuse  you,  if  I 
should  beg  with  you.  I  consider  that  the  service  of  my  house 
hath  been  such,  and  of  such  a  sort,  that  ye  be  not  meet  or  apt 
to  serve  no  man  under  the  degree  of  a  king;  therefore  I  would 
wish  you  to  serve  no  man  but  the  king,  who  I  am  sure  will 
not  reject  you.  Therefore  I  desire  you  to  take  your  pleasures 
for  a  month,  and  then  ye  may  come  again  unto  me,  and  I  trust 
by  that  time  the  king's  majesty  will  extend  his  clemency  upon 
me.'  *  Sir,'  quoth  Master  Cromwell, '  there  is  divers  of  these 
your  yeomen,  that  would  be  glad  to  see  their  friends,  but  they 
lack  money :  therefore  here  is  divers  of  your  chaplains  who 
have  received  at  your  hands  great  benefices  and  high  dignities; 
let  them  therefore  now  show  themselves  unto  you  as  they  are 
bound  by  all  humanity  to  do.  I  think  their  honesty  and  charity 
is  not  so  slender  and  void  of  grace  that  they  would  not  see  you 
lack  where  they  may  help  to  refresh  you.  And  for  my  part, 
although  I  have  not  received  of  your  Grace's  gift  anyone  penny 
towards  the  increase  of  my  yearly  living,  yet  will  I  depart  with 
you  this  towards  the  dispatch  of  your  servants,'  and  delivered 
him  five  pounds  in  gold.  '  And  now  let  us  see  what  your  chap- 
lains will  do.  I  think  they  will  depart  with  you  much  more 
than  I  have  done,  who  be  more  able  to  give  you  a  pound  than 
I  one  penny.'  '  Go  to,  masters,'  quoth  he  to  the  chaplains : 
insomuch  as  some  gave  to  him  ten  pounds,  some  ten  marks, 
some  a  hundred  shillings,  and  so  some  more  and  some  less, as  at 
that  time  their  powers  did  extend  ;  whereby  my  lord  received 
among  them  as  much  money  of  their  liberality  as  he  gave  to 
each  of  his  yeomen  a  quarter's  wages,  and  board  wages  for  a 
month ;  and  they  departed  down  into  the  hall,  where  some 
determined  to  go  to  their  friends,  and  some  said  they  would 
not  depart  from  my  lord  until  they  might  see  him  in  better 
estate.    My  lord  returned  into  his  chamber  lamenting  the  de- 


112  Cf)eilifeof 

parturefrom  his  servants,  making  his  moan  unto  Master  Crom- 
well, who  comforted  him  the  best  he  could,  and  desired  my 
lord  to  give  him  leave  to  go  to  London,  where  he  would  either 
make  or  mar  or  he  came  again,  which  was  always  his  common 
saying.  Then  after  longcommunication  with  my  lord  in  secret, 
he  departed  and  took  his  horse,  and  rode  to  London,  at  whose 
departing  I  was  by,  whom  he  bade  farewell;  and  said,  'Ye 
shall  hear  shortly  of  me,  and  if  I  speed  well,  I  will  not  fail  to 
be  here  again  within  these  two  days.'  And  so  I  took  my  leave 
of  him,  and  he  rode  forth  on  his  journey.  Sir  Rafe  Sadler  (now 
knight)  was  then  his  clerk,  and  rode  with  him. 

After  that  my  lord  had  supped  that  night  (being  All-hallow 
day  at  night),  and  all  men  gone  to  bed,  it  chanced  so,  about  mid- 
night, that  one  of  the  porters  came  unto  my  chamber  door,  and 
there  knocked,  and  waking  of  me,  perceived  who  it  was;  asked 
him,  '  what  he  would  have  at  that  time  of  the  night  ? '  *  Sir,' 
quoth  the  porter,  '  there  is  a  great  number  of  horsemen  at  the 
gate  that  would  come  in,  saying  to  me,  that  it  is  Sir  John  Rus- 
sell, and  so  it  appears  to  me  by  his  voice;  what  is  your  pleasure 
that  I  should  do  ? '  *  Marry,'  quoth  I,  *  go  down  again,  and 
make  a  great  fire  in  your  lodge,  against  I  come,  to  dry  them ; ' 
for  it  rained  all  that  night  the  sorest  that  it  did  all  that  year 
before.  Then  I  rose  and  put  on  my  night-gown,  and  came  to 
the  gates,  and  asked  who  was  there.  With  that  Master  Russell 
spake,  whom  I  knew  by  his  voice,  and  then  I  caused  the  port- 
ers to  open  the  gates  and  let  them  all  in,  who  were  wet  to  the 
skin ;  desiring  Master  Russell  to  go  into  the  lodge  to  the  fire ; 
and  he  showed  me  that  he  was  come  from  the  king  unto  my 
lord  in  message,  with  whom  he  required  me  to  speak.  *  Sir,' 
quoth  I,  '  I  trust  your  news  be  good  ? '  *  Yea,  I  promise  you 
on  my  fidelity,'  quoth  he,  *  and  so,  I  pray  you,  show  him  I  have 
brought  him  such  news  that  will  please  him  right  well.' 

*Then  will  I  go,'  quoth  I,  '  and  wake  him,  and  cause  him 
to  rise.'    I  went  incontinent  to  my  lord's  chamber  door,  and 


Cartiinal  Wolst^  1 1 3 

waked  my  lord,  who  asked  me  *  What  I  would  have  ? '  *  Sir,' 
said  I,  *  to  show  you  that  Sir  John  Russell  is  come  from  the 
king,  who  is  desirous  to  speak  with  you  ; '  and  then  he  called 
up  one  of  his  grooms  to  let  me  in ;  and  being  within  I  told 
him  *  what  a  journey  Mayster  Russel  had  that  night.'  *  I  pray 
God,'  quoth  he,  '  all  be  for  the  best.'  *  Yes,  sir,'  quoth  I,  *  he 
showed  me,  and  so  bade  me  tell  you,  that  he  had  brought  you 
such  news  as  ye  would  greatly  rejoice  thereat.'  *  Well,  then,' 
quoth  he,  *  God  be  praised,  and  welcome  be  his  Grace !  Go 
ye  and  fetch  him  unto  me,  and  by  that  time  I  will  be  ready 
to  talk  with  him.' 

Then  I  returned  from  him  to  the  lodge,  and  brought  Master 
Russell  from  thence  to  my  lord,  who  had  cast  on  his  night- 
gown. And  when  Master  Russell  was  come  into  his  presence, 
he  most  humbly  reverenced  him,  upon  his  knee,  to  whom  my 
lord  bowed  down,  and  took  him  up,  and  bade  him  welcome. 

*  Sir,'  quoth  he,  *  the  king  commendeth  him  unto  you  ; '  and 
delivered  him  a  great  ring  of  gold  with  a  turquoise,  for  a  token  ; 

*  and  willed  you  to  be  of  good  cheer ;  who  loveth  you  as  well  as 
he  ever  did,  and  is  not  a  little  disquieted  for  your  troubles,whose 
mind  is  full  of  your  remembrance.  Insomuch  as  his  Grace, 
before  he  sat  to  supper,  called  me  unto  him,  and  commanded 
me  to  take  this  journey  secretly  to  visit  you,  to  your  comfort 
the  best  of  my  power.  And,  sir,  if  it  please  your  Grace,  I  have 
had  this  night  the  sorest  journey,  for  so  little  a  way,  that  ever 
I  had  to  my  remembrance.' 

My  lord  thanked  him  for  his  pains  and  good  news,  and  de- 
manded of  him  if  he  had  supped ;  and  he  said  '  Nay.'  'Well, 
then,'  quoth  my  lord  to  me,  'cause  the  cooks  to  provide  some 
meat  for  him ;  and  cause  a  chamber  with  a  good  fire  to  be  made 
ready  for  him,  that  he  may  take  his  rest  a  while  upon  a  bed.' 
All  which  commandment  I  fulfilled.  And  in  the  mean  time 
my  lord  and  Master  Russell  were  in  very  secret  communica- 
tion ;  and  in  fine,  Master  Russell  went  to  his  chamber,  taking 


114  %f)t^iU  of 

his  leave  of  my  lord  for  all  night,  and  said,  *  he  would  not  tarry 
but  a  while,  for  he  would,  God  willing,  be  at  the  court  at  Green- 
wich again  before  day,  for  he  would  not  for  any  thing  that  it 
were  known  his  being  with  my  lord  that  night.'  And  so  being 
in  his  chamber,  having  a  small  repast,  rested  him  a  while  upon 
a  bed,  whilst  his  servants  supped  and  dried  themselves  by  the 
fire;  and  then  incontinent  he  rode  away  with  speed  to  the  court. 
And  shortly  after  his  being  there,  my  lord  was  restored  again 
unto  plenty  of  household  stuffs,  vessel,  and  plate,  and  of  all  things 
necessary  some  part,  so  that  he  was  indifferently  furnished 
much  better  than  he  was  of  late,  and  yet  not  so  abundantly  as 
the  king's  pleasure  was ;  the  default  whereof  was  in  the  officers, 
and  in  such  as  had  the  oversight  of  the  delivery  thereof;  and 
yet  my  lord  rejoiced  in  that  little  in  comparison  to  that  he 
had  before. 

Now  let  us  return  again  to  Master  Cromwell,  to  see  how  he 
hath  sped  since  his  departure  last  from  my  lord.  The  case  stood 
so,  that  there  should  begin,  shortly  after  All-hallowtide,  the 
Parliament,  and  he,  being  within  London,  devised  with  himself 
to  be  one  of  the  burgesses  of  the  Parliament,  and  chanced  to 
meet  with  one  Sir  Thomas  Rush,  knight,  a  special  friend  of  his, 
whose  son  was  appointed  to  be  one  of  the  burgesses  of  that  Par- 
liament, of  whom  he  obtained  his  room,  and  by  that  means  put 
his  foot  into  the  Parliament  House.  Then  within  two  or  three 
days  after  his  entry  into  the  Parliament,  he  came  unto  my  lord, 
to  Esher,  with  a  much  pleasanter  countenance  than  he  had  at 
his  departure,  and  meeting  with  me  before  he  came  to  my  lord, 
said  unto  me,  that  he  had  once  adventured  to  put  in  his  foot 
where  he  trusted  shortly  to  be  better  regarded  or  all  were  done. 
And  when  he  was  come  to  my  lord,  they  talked  together  in 
secret  manner;  and  that  done,  he  rode  out  of  hand  again  that 
night  to  London,  because  he  would  not  be  absent  from  the  Par- 
liament the  next  morning.  There  could  nothing  be  spoken 
against  my  lord  in  the  Parliament  House  but  he  would  answer 


Cartiinal  WolQt^ 


1 1 


it  incontinent,  or  else  take  day  until  the  next  day,  against  which 
time  he  would  resort  to  my  lord  to  know  what  answer  he 
should  make  in  his  behalf;  insomuch  that  there  was  no  matter 
alleged  against  my  lord  but  that  he  was  ever  ready  furnished 
with  a  sufficient  answer;  so  that  at  length,  for  his  honest  be- 
haviour in  his  master's  case,  he  grew  into  such  estimation  in 
every  man's  opinion,  that  he  was  esteemed  to  be  the  most  faith- 
fullest  servant  to  his  master  of  all  other,  wherein  he  was  of  all 
men  greatly  commended. 

Then  was  there  brought  in  a  Bill  of  Articles  into  the  Par- 
liament House  to  have  my  lord  condemned  of  treason ;  against 
which  bill  Master  Cromwell  inveighed  so  discreetly,  with 
such  witty  persuasions  and  deep  reasons,  that  the  same  bill 
could  take  there  no  effect.  Then  were  his  enemies  compelled 
to  indict  him  in  apremunire,andallwas  done  only  to  the  intent 
to  entitle  the  king  to  all  his  goods  and  possessions,  the  which 
he  had  gathered  together,  and  purchased  for  his  colleges  in 
Oxford  and  Ipswich,  and  for  the  maintenance  of  the  same, 
which  was  then  a-building  in  most  sumptuous  wise.  Wherein 
when  he  was  demanded  by  the  judges,  which  were  sent  him 
purposely  to  examine  him  what  answer  he  would  make  to  the 
same,  he  said:  'The  king's  highness  knoweth  right  well 
whether  I  have  offended  his  Majesty  and  his  laws  or  no,  in  using 
of  my  prerogative  legatine,  for  the  which  ye  have  me  indicted, 
notwithstanding  I  have  the  king's  license  in  my  coffers,  under 
his  hand  and  broad  seal,  for  exercising  and  using  the  authority 
thereof,  in  the  largest  wise,  within  his  Highness's  dominions, 
the  which  remaineth  now  in  the  hands  of  my  enemies.  There- 
fore because  I  will  not  stand  in  question  or  trial  with  the  king 
in  his  own  cause,  I  am  content  here  of  mine  own  frank  will 
and  mind,  in  your  presence,  to  confess  the  offence  in  the  in- 
dictment, and  put  me  wholly  in  the  mercy  and  grace  of  the 
king,  having  no  doubts  in  his  godly  disposition  and  charitable 
conscience,  whom  I  know  hath  an  high  discretion  to  consider 


1 1 6  %f)t  3Life  of 

the  truth,  and  my  humble  submission  and  obedience.  And  al- 
though I  might  justly  stand  on  the  trial  with  him  therein,  yet 
I  am  content  to  submit  myself  to  his  clemency,  and  thus  much 
ye  may  say  to  him  in  my  behalf,  that  I  am  entirely  his  obedi- 
encer,  and  do  intend,  God  willing,  to  obey  and  fulfil  all  his 
princely  pleasure  in  every  thing  that  he  will  command  me  to 
do ;  whose  will  and  pleasure  I  never  yet  disobeyed  or  repugned, 
but  was  always  contented  and  glad  to  accomplish  his  desire  and 
commandment  before  God,  whom  I  ought  most  rathest  to  have 
obeyed;  the  which  negligence  now  greatly  repenteth  me.  Not- 
withstanding, I  most  heartily  require  you,  to  have  me  most 
humbly  to  his  royal  majesty  commended,  for  whom  I  do  and 
will  pray  for  the  preservation  of  his  royal  person,  long  to  reign 
in  honour,  prosperity,  and  quietness,  and  to  have  the  victory 
over  his  mortal  and  cankered  enemies.'  And  they  took  their 
leave  of  him  and  departed. 

Shortly  after  the  king  sent  the  Duke  of  Norfolk  unto  him 
in  message  ;  but  what  it  was  I  am  not  certain.  But  my  lord 
being  advertised  that  the  duke  was  coming  even  at  hand,  he 
caused  all  his  gentlemen  to  wait  upon  him  down  through  the 
hall  into  the  base  court,  to  receive  the  duke  at  the  entry  of  the 
gates  ;  and  commanded  all  his  yeomen  to  stand  still  in  the  hall 
in  order.  And  he  and  his  gentlemen  went  to  the  gates,  where 
he  encountered  with  my  Lord  of  Norfolk,  whom  he  received 
bare-headed ;  who  embraced  each  other ;  and  so  led  him  by 
the  arm  through  the  hall  into  his  chamber.  And  as  the  duke 
passed  through  the  hall,  at  the  upper  end  thereof  he  turned 
again  his  visage  down  the  hall,  regarding  the  number  of  the  tall 
yeomen  that  stood  in  order  there,  and  said  ;  *  Sirs,'  quoth  he, 
'your  diligent  and  faithful  service  unto  my  lord  here  your  mas- 
ter, in  this  time  of  his  calamity,  hath  purchased  for  yourselves 
of  all  noble  men  much  honesty  ;  insomuch  as  the  king  com- 
manded me  to  say  to  you,  in  his  Grace's  name,  that  for  your 
true  and  loving  service  that  ye  have  done  to  your  master,  his 


Highness  will  see  you  all  furnished  at  all  times  with  services 
according  to  your  demerits.'  With  that  my  Lord  Cardinal 
put  off  his  cap,  and  said  to  my  Lord  of  Norfolk :  '  Sir,'  quoth 
he,  •  these  men  be  all  approved  men :  wherefore  it  were  pity 
they  should  want  other  service  or  living  :  and  being  sorry  that 
I  am  not  able  to  do  for  them  as  my  heart  doth  wish,  do  there- 
fore require  you,  my  good  lord,  to  be  good  lord  unto  them, 
and  extend  your  good  word  for  them,  when  ye  shall  see  oppor- 
tunity at  any  time  hereafter ;  and  that  ye  will  prefer  their  dili- 
gent and  faithful  service  to  the  king,'  *  Doubt  ye  not  thereof,' 
quoth  my  Lord  of  Norfolk,  '  but  I  will  do  for  them  the  best 
of  my  power  :  and  when  I  shall  see  cause,  I  will  be  an  earnest 
suitor  for  them  to  the  king ;  and  some  of  you  I  will  retain 
myself  in  service  for  your  honesty's  sake;  and  as  ye  have  begun, 
so  continue  and  remain  here  still  with  my  lord  until  ye  hear 
more  of  the  king's  pleasure  :  God's  blessing  and  mine  be  with 
you ! '  And  so  went  up  into  the  great  chamber  to  dinner,  whom 
my  Lord  Cardinal  thanked,  and  said  unto  him,  *  Yet,  my  lord, 
of  all  other  noblemen,  I  have  most  cause  to  thank  you  for  your 
noble  heart  and  gentle  nature,  which  ye  have  showed  me  be- 
hind my  back,  as  my  servant,  Thomas  Cromwell,  hath  made 
report  unto  me.  But  even  as  ye  are  a  nobleman  indeed,  so  have 
ye  showed  yourself  no  less  to  all  men  in  calamity,  and  in  es- 
pecial to  me,  and  even  as  ye  have  abated  my  glory  and  high 
estate,  and  brought  it  full  low,  so  have  ye  extended  your  hon- 
ourable favour  most  charitably  unto  me,  being  prostrate  before 
ye.  Forsooth,  sir,  ye  do  right  well  deserve  to  bear  in  your 
arms  the  noble  and  gentle  lion,  whose  natural  inclination  is, 
that  when  he  hath  vanquished  any  beast,  and  seeth  him  yielded, 
lying  prostrate  before  him  at  his  feet,  then  will  he  show  most 
clemency  unto  his  vanquished,  and  do  him  no  more  harm,  nor 
suffer  any  other  devouring  beast  to  damage  him:  whose  nature 
and  quality  ye  do  ensue ;  therefore  these  verses  may  be  applied 
to  your  lordship,  which  be  these : 


ii8  %f)t%ik  of 

"  Parcereprostratis  scit  nobilis  ira  leonis: 
'Tu  quoque  fac  simile,  quisquis  regnabis  in  orbem." 

With  that  the  water  was  brought  them  to  wash  before  din- 
ner, to  the  which  my  lord  called  my  Lord  of  Norfolk  to  wash 
with  him :  but  he  refused  of  courtesy,  and  desired  to  have  him 
excused,  and  said  that  it  became  him  not  to  presume  to  wash 
with  him  any  more  now  than  it  did  before  in  his  glory.  *  Yes, 
forsooth,'  quoth  my  Lord  Cardinal,  'for  my  authority  and  dig- 
nity legatine  is  gone,  wherein  consisted  all  my  high  honour.' 
•  A  straw,'  quoth  my  Lord  of  Norfolk,  'for  your  legacy.  I  never 
esteemed  your  honour  the  more  or  higher  for  that.  But  I  re- 
garded your  honour,  for  that  ye  were  Archbishop  of  York  and 
a  cardinal,  whose  estate  of  honour  surmounteth  any  duke  now 
being  within  this  realm ;  and  so  will  I  honour  you,  and  acknow- 
ledge the  same,  and  bear  you  reverence  accordingly.  There- 
fore, I  beseech  you,  content  yourself,  for  I  will  not  presume  to 
wash  with  you ;  and  therefore  I  pray  you,  hold  me  excused.' 
Then  was  my  Lord  Cardinal  constrained  to  wash  alone  ;  and 
my  Lord  of  Norfolk  alone  also.  When  he  had  done,  and  when 
he  had  also,  my  Lord  Cardinal  would  fain  have  had  my  Lord 
of  Norfolk  to  sit  down  on  the  chair,  in  the  inner  side  of  the 
table,  but  surely  he  refused  the  same  also  with  much  humble- 
ness. Then  was  there  set  another  chair  for  my  Lord  of  Norfolk, 
over  against  my  Lord  Cardinal,  on  the  outside  of  the  table,  the 
which  was,  by  my  Lord  of  Norfolk,  based  something  beneath 
my  lord,  and  during  the  dinner  all  their  communication  was 
of  the  diligent  service  of  the  gentlemen  which  remained  with 
my  lord  there  attending  upon  him  at  dinner,  and  how  much 
the  king  and  all  other  noblemen  doth  esteem  them  with  worthy 
commendations  for  so  doing;  and  at  this  time  how  little  they 
be  esteemed  in  the  court  that  are  come  to  the  king's  service, 
and  have  forsaken  their  master  in  his  necessity  ;  whereof  some 
he  blamed  by  name.  And  with  this  communication,  the  dinner 
being  ended,  they  rose  from  the  table,  and  went  together  into 


Cartiinal  Wol&t^  H9 

my  lord's  bedchamber,  where  they  continued  in  consultation 
a  certain  season.  And  being  there,  it  chanced  Master  Shelley, 
the  judge,  to  come  thither,  sent  from  the  king;  whereof  rela- 
tion was  made  to  my  lord,  which  caused  the  duke  and  him  to 
break  up  their  communication;  and  the  duke  desired  to  go  into 
some  chamber  to  repose  him  for  a  season.  And  as  he  was  com- 
ing out  of  my  lord's  chamber,  he  met  with  Master  Shelley,  to 
whom  Master  Shelley  made  relation  of  the  cause  of  his  com- 
ing, and  desired  the  duke  to  tarry  and  to  assist  him  in  doing 
of  his  message;  whom  he  denied  and  said,  *I  have  nothing  to 
do  with  your  message,  wherein  I  will  not  meddle; '  and  so  de- 
parted into  a  chamber,  where  he  took  his  rest  for  an  hour  or 
two.  And  in  the  mean  time  my  lord  issued  out  of  his  cham- 
ber, and  came  to  Master  Shelley  to  know  his  message.  Who 
declared  unto  him,  after  due  salutation,  that  the  king's  pleasure 
was  to  have  his  house  at  Westminster  (then  called  York  Place, 
belonging  to  the  Bishoprick  of  York),  intending  to  make  of 
that  house  a  palace  royal ;  and  to  possess  the  same  according  to 
the  laws  of  this  his  Grace's  realm.  *  His  Highness  hath  there- 
fore sent  for  all  the  judges,  and  for  all  his  learned  counsel,  to 
know  their  opinions  in  the  assurance  thereof;  in  whose  deter- 
minations it  was  fully  resolved,  that  your  Grace  should  recog- 
nize, before  a  judge,  the  right  thereof  to  be  in  the  king  and  his 
successors ;  and  so  his  Highness  shall  be  assured  thereof.  Where- 
fore it  hath  pleased  his  Majesty  to  appoint  me  by  his  command- 
ment to  come  hither,  to  take  of  you  this  recognisance,  who 
hath  in  you  such  affiance,  that  ye  will  not  refuse  so  to  do  ac- 
cordingly. Therefore  I  shall  desire  your  Grace  to  know  your 
good  will  therein.'  '  Master  Shelley,'  quoth  my  lord,  *  I  know 
that  the  king  of  his  own  nature  is  of  a  royal  stomach,  and  yet 
not  willing  more  than  justice  shall  lead  him  unto  by  the  law. 
And  therefore,  I  counsel  you,  and  all  other  fathers  of  the  law 
and  learned  men  of  his  counsel,  to  put  no  more  into  his  head 
than  the  law  may  stand  with  good  conscience;  for  when  ye  tell 


I20  Cl^eilifeof 

him,  "  this  is  the  law,"  it  were  well  done  ye  should  tell  him 
also  that,  although  this  be  the  law,  yet  this  is  conscience  ;  for 
law  without  conscience  is  not  good  to  be  given  unto  a  king  in 
counsel  to  use  for  a  lawful  right,  but  always  to  have  a  respect 
to  conscience,  before  the  rigour  of  the  common  law,  for  "  laus 
estfacere  quod  decet,  non  quod  licet,"  The  king  ought  of  his  royal 
dignity  and  prerogative  to  mitigate  the  rigour  of  the  law,  where 
conscience  hath  the  most  force;  therefore, in  his  royal  place  of 
equal  justice,  he  hath  constitute  a  chancellor,  an  officer  to  ex- 
ecute j ustice  with  clemency,  where  conscience  is  opposed  by  the 
rigour  of  the  law.  And  therefore  the  Court  of  Chancery  hath 
been  heretofore  commonly  called  the  Court  of  Conscience ; 
because  it  hath  jurisdiction  to  command  the  high  ministers  of 
the  common  law  to  spare  execution  and  judgment,  where  con- 
science hold  most  effect.  Therefore  I  say  to  you  in  this  case, 
although  you,  and  other  of  your  profession,  perceive  by  your 
learning  that  the  king  may,  by  an  order  of  your  laws,  lawfully 
do  that  thing  which  ye  demand  of  me ;  how  say  you.  Master 
Shelley,  may  I  do  it  with  justice  and  conscience,  to  give  that 
thing  away  from  me  and  my  successors  which  is  none  of  mine  ? 
If  this  be  law,  with  conscience,  show  me  your  opinion,  I  pray 
you.'  '  Forsooth,  my  lord,'  quoth  he,  *  there  is  some  conscience 
in  this  case;  but  having  regard  to  the  king's  high  power,  and 
to  be  employed  to  a  better  use  and  purpose,  it  may  the  better 
be  suffered  with  conscience ;  who  is  sufficient  to  make  recom- 
pense to  the  church  of  York  with  double  the  value.'  •  That 
I  know  well,'  quoth  my  lord,  '  but  here  is  no  such  condition 
neither  promised  nor  agreed,  but  only  a  bare  and  simple  de- 
parture with  another's  right  for  ever.  And  if  every  bishop  may 
do  the  like,  then  might  every  prelate  give  away  the  patrimony 
of  their  churches  which  is  none  of  theirs  ;  and  so  in  process  of 
time  leave  nothing  for  their  successors  to  maintain  their  dig- 
nities, which,  all  things  considered,  should  be  but  small  to  the 
king's  honour.  Sir,  I  do  not  intend  to  stand  in  terms  with  you 


Cartitnal  Wolst^ 


121 


in  this  matter,  but  let  me  see  your  commission.'  To  whom 
Master  Shelley  showed  the  same,  and  thatseen,  and  perceived  by 
him,  said  again  thus : '  Master  Shelley,'  quoth  he, '  ye  shall  make 
report  to  the  king's  highness,  that  I  am  his  obedient  subject, 
and  faithful  chaplain  and  headman,  whose  royal  command- 
ment and  request  I  will  in  no  wise  disobey,  but  most  gladly 
fulfil  and  accomplish  his  princely  will  and  pleasure  in  all  things, 
and  in  especial  in  this  matter,  inasmuch  as  ye,  the  fathers  of 
the  laws,  say  that  I  may  lawfully  do  it.  Therefore  I  charge 
your  conscience  and  discharge  the  mine.  Howbeit,  I  pray  you, 
show  his  Majesty  from  me  that  I  most  humbly  desire  his  High- 
ness to  call  to  his  most  gracious  remembrance,  that  there  is 
both  heaven  and  hell.'  And  therewith  the  clerk  was  called, 
who  wrote  my  lord's  recognisance,  and  after  some  secret  talk 
Master  Shelley  departed.  Then  rose  my  Lord  of  Norfolk  from 
his  repose,  and  after  some  communication  with  my  lord  he 
departed. 

Thus  continued  my  lord  at  Esher,  who  received  daily  mes- 
sages from  the  court,  whereof  some  were  not  so  good  as  some 
were  bad,  but  yet  much  more  evil  than  good.  For  his  enemies, 
perceiving  the  great  affection  that  the  king  bare  always  towards 
him,  devised  a  mean  to  disquiet  and  disturb  his  patience;  think- 
ing thereby  to  give  him  an  occasion  to  fret  and  chafe,  that 
death  should  rather  ensue  than  increase  of  health  or  life,  the 
which  they  most  desired.  They  feared  him  more  after  his  fall 
than  they  did  before  in  his  prosperity,  doubting  much  his  re- 
adoption  into  authority,  by  reason  that  the  king's  favour 
remained  still  towards  him  in  such  force,  whereby  they  might 
rather  be  in  danger  of  their  estates,  than  in  any  assurance,  for 
their  cruelty  ministered, by  their  malicious  inventions  surmised 
and  brought  to  pass  against  him. 

Therefore  they  took  this  order  among  them  in  their  mat- 
ters, that  daily  they  would  send  him  something,  or  do  some- 
thing against  him,  wherein  they  thought  that  they  might  give 


122 


CJe  3life  of 


him  a  cause  of  heaviness  or  lamentation.  As  some  day  they 
would  cause  the  king  to  send  for  four  or  five  of  his  gentlemen 
from  him  to  serve  the  king :  and  some  other  day  they  would 
lay  matters  newly  invented  against  him.  Another  day  they 
would  take  from  him  some  of  his  promotions ;  or  of  their  pro- 
motions whom  he  had  preferred  before.  Then  would  they  fetch 
from  him  some  of  his  yeomen ;  insomuch  as  the  king  took 
into  service  sixteen  of  them  at  once,  and  at  one  time  put  them 
into  his  guard.  This  order  of  life  he  led  continually;  that  there 
was  no  one  day  but,  or  ever  he  went  to  bed,  he  had  an  occasion 
greatly  to  chafe  or  fret  the  heart  out  of  his  belly,  but  that  he 
was  a  wise  man,  and  bare  all  their  malice  in  patience. 

At  Christmas  he  fell  sore  sick,  that  he  was  likely  to  die. 
Whereof  the  king,  being  advertised,  was  very  sorry  therefore, 
and  sent  Doctor  Buttes,  his  Grace's  physician,  unto  him,  to  see 
in  what  estate  he  was.  Doctor  Buttes  came  unto  him,  and  find- 
ing him  very  sick  lying  in  his  bed,  and  perceiving  the  danger 
he  was  in,  repaired  again  unto  the  king.  Of  whom  the  king 
demanded,  saying,  'How  doth  yonder  man,  have  you  seen 
him  ? '  *  Yea,  Sir,'  quoth  he.  *  How  do  you  like  him?'  quoth 
the  king.  *  Forsooth,  Sir,'  quoth  he,  *  if  you  will  have  him 
dead,  I  warrant  your  Grace  he  will  be  dead  within  these  four 
days,  if  he  receive  no  comfort  from  you  shortly,  and  Mistress 
Anne.'  *  Marry,'  quoth  the  king, '  God  forbid  that  he  should 
die.  I  pray  you,  good  Master  Buttes,  go  again  unto  him,  and 
do  your  cure  upon  him  ;  for  I  would  not  lose  him  for  twenty 
thousand  pounds.'  *  Then  must  your  Grace,'  quoth  Master 
Buttes, '  send  him  first  some  comfortable  message,  as  shortly  as 
is  possible.'  '  Even  so  will  I,'  quoth  the  king,  *  by  you.  And 
therefore  make  speed  to  him  again,  and  ye  shall  deliver  him 
from  me  this  ring  for  a  token  of  our  good  will  and  favour  to- 
wards him  (in  which  ring  was  engraved  the  king's  visage  within 
a  ruby,  as  lively  counterfeit  as  was  possible  to  be  devised). 
This  ring  he  knoweth  very  well;  for  he  gave  me  the  same ;  and 


Cartitnall^olsic^  123 

tell  him,  that  I  am  not  offended  with  him  in  my  heart  nothing 
at  all,  and  that  shall  he  perceive,  and  God  send  him  life,  very 
shortly.  Therefore  bid  him  be  of  good  cheer,  and  pluck  up  his 
heart,  and  take  no  despair.  And  I  charge  you  come  not  from 
him,  until  ye  have  brought  him  out  of  all  danger  of  death.' 
And  then  spake  he  to  Mistress  Anne,  saying,  'Good  sweetheart, 
I  pray  you  at  this  my  instance,  as  ye  love  us,  to  send  the  cardinal 
a  token  with  comfortable  words ;  and  in  so  doing  ye  shall  do  us 
a  loving  pleasure.'  She  being  not  minded  to  disobey  the  king's 
earnest  request,  whatsoever  she  intended  in  her  heart  towards 
the  cardinal,  took  incontinent  her  tablet  of  gold  hanging  at  her 
girdle,  and  delivered  it  to  Master  Buttes,  with  very  gentle  and 
comfortable  words  in  commendation  to  the  cardinal.  And  thus 
Master  Buttes  departed,  and  made  speedy  return  to  Esher,  to 
my  Lord  Cardinal;  after  whom  the  king  sent  Doctor  Clement, 
Doctor  Wotton,  and  Doctor  Cromer  the  Scot,  to  consult  and 
assist  Master  Buttes  for  my  lord's  health. 

After  that  Master  Buttes  had  been  with  my  lord,  and  deliv- 
ered the  king's  and  Mistress  Anne's  tokens  unto  him,  with  the 
most  comfortablest  words  he  could  devise  on  their  behalf, 
whereat  he  rejoiced  not  a  little,  advancing  him  a  little  in  his 
bed,  and  received  their  tokens  most  joyfully,  thanking  Master 
Buttes  for  his  comfortable  news  and  pains.  Master  Buttes 
showed  him  furthermore,  that  the  king's  pleasure  was,  that  he 
should  minister  unto  him  for  his  health  ;  and  for  the  most  as- 
sured and  brief  ways,  to  be  had  for  the  same,  hath  sent  Doctor 
Wotton,Doctor  Clement,and  Doctor  Cromer, tojoin  with  him 
in  counsel  and  ministration.  *  Therefore,  my  lord,'  quoth  he, 
*  it  were  well  done  that  they  should  be  called  in  to  visit  your 
person  and  estate,  wherein  I  would  be  glad  to  hear  their  opin- 
ions, trusting  in  Almighty  God  that,  through  his  grace  and  as- 
sistance, we  shall  ease  you  of  your  pains,  and  rid  you  clean  from 
your  disease  and  infirmity.'  Wherewith  my  lord  was  well 
pleased  and  contented  to  hear  their  judgments;  for  indeed  he 


124  Cfjeilifeof 

trust  more  to  the  Scottish  doctor  than  he  did  to  any  of  the  other, 
because  he  was  the  very  occasion  that  he  inhabited  here  in  Eng- 
land, and  before  he  gave  him  partly  his  exhibition  in  Paris. 
Then  when  they  were  come  into  his  chamber,  and  had  talked 
with  him,  he  took  upon  him  to  debate  his  disease  learnedly 
among  them,  so  that  they  might  understand  that  he  was  seen  in 
that  art.  After  they  had  taken  order  for  ministration,  it  was  not 
long  or  they  brought  him  out  of  all  danger  and  fear  of  death; 
and  within  four  days  they  set  him  on  his  feet,  and  got  him  a 
good  stomach  to  his  meat.  This  done,  and  he  in  a  good  estate 
of  amendment,  they  took  their  leave  to  depart,  to  whom  my 
lord  offered  his  reward;  the  which  they  refused,  saying  that 
the  king  gave  them  in  special  commandment,  to  take  nothing 
of  him  for  their  pains  and  ministration;  for  at  their  return  his 
Highness  said  that  he  would  reward  them  of  his  own  costs :  and 
thus  with  great  thanks  they  departed  from  my  lord,  whom  they 
left  in  good  estate  of  recovery. 

After  this  time  my  lord  daily  amended,  and  so  continued  still 
at  Esher  until  Candlemas;  against  which  feast, the  king  caused 
to  be  sent  him  three  or  four  cart-loads  of  stuff,  and  most  part 
thereof  was  locked  in  great  standards  (except  beds  and  kitchen- 
stuff),  wherein  was  both  plate  and  rich  hangings,  and  chapel- 
stufF.  Then  my  lord,  being  thus  furnished,  was  therewith  well 
contented;  although  they  whom  the  king  assigned  did  not 
deliver  him  so  good  ne  so  rich  stuff  as  the  king's  pleasure  was, 
yet  was  he  joyous  thereof,  and  rendered  most  humble  thanks  to 
the  king,  and  to  them  that  appointed  the  said  stuff  for  him,  say- 
ing to  us  his  servants,  at  the  opening  of  the  same  stuff  in  the 
standards,  the  which  we  thought,  and  said,  it  might  have  been 
better  appointed  if  it  had  pleased  them  that  appointed  it :  'Nay, 
sirs,'  quoth  my  lord  to  us, '  he  that  hath  nothing  is  glad  of  some- 
what, though  it  be  never  so  little,  and  although  it  be  not  in  com- 
parison half  so  much  and  good  as  we  had  before,  yet  we  rejoice 
more  of  this  little  than  we  did  before  of  the  great  abundance 


€uxUmlWolQt^  125 

that  we  then  had;  and  thank  the  king  very  much  for  the  same, 
trusting  after  this  to  have  much  more.  Therefore  let  us  all  re- 
joice, and  be  glad,  that  God  and  the  king  hath  so  graciously 
remembered  to  restore  us  to  some  things  to  maintain  our  estate 
like  a  noble  person.' 

Then  commanded  he  Master  Cromwell,  being  with  him,  to 
make  suit  to  the  king's  majesty,  that  he  might  remove  thence 
to  some  other  place,  for  he  was  weary  of  that  house  of  Esher : 
for  with  continual  use  thereof  the  house  waxed  unsavoury ;  sup- 
posing that  if  he  might  remove  from  thence  he  should  much 
sooner  recover  his  health.  And  also  the  council  had  put  into 
the  king's  head,  that  the  new  gallery  at  Esher,  which  my  lord 
had  late  before  his  fall  newly  set  up,  should  be  very  necessary  for 
the  king,  to  take  down  and  set  it  up  again  at  Westminster ;  which 
was  done  accordingly,  and  stands  at  this  present  day  there.  The 
taking  away  thereof  before  my  lord's  face  was  to  him  a  corros- 
ive, which  was  invented  by  his  enemies  only  to  torment  him, 
the  which  indeed  discouraged  him  very  sore  to  tarry  any  longer 
there.  Now  Master  Cromwell  thought  it  but  vain  and  much 
folly  to  move  any  of  the  king's  council  to  assist  and  prefer  his 
suit  to  the  king,  among  whom  rested  the  number  of  his  mortal 
enemies,  for  they  would  either  hinder  his  removing,  or  else 
remove  him  further  from  the  king,  than  to  have  holpen  him  to 
any  place  nigh  the  king's  common  trade;  wherefore  he  refused 
any  suit  to  them,  and  made  only  suit  to  the  king's  own  person ; 
whose  suit  the  king  graciously  heard,  and  thought  it  very  con- 
venient to  be  granted;  and  through  the  special  motion  of  Master 
Cromwell,  the  king  was  well  contented  that  he  should  remove 
to  Richmond,  which  place  my  lord  had  a  little  before  repaired  to 
his  great  cost  and  charge;  for  the  king  had  made  an  exchange 
thereof  with  him  for  Hampton  Court.  All  this  his  removing 
was  done  without  the  knowledge  of  the  king's  council,  for 
if  they  might  have  had  any  intelligence  thereof  before,  then 
would  they  have  persuaded  the  king  to  the  contrary:  but  when 


126  CJeilifeof 

they  were  advertised  of  the  king's  grant  and  pleasure,  they  dis- 
simuled  their  countenances  in  the  king's  presence,  for  they  were 
greatly  afraid  of  him,  lest  his  nigh  being  to  the  king  he  might 
at  length  some  one  time  resort  to  him,  and  so  call  him  home 
again,  considering  the  great  affection  and  love  that  the  king 
daily  showed  towards  him ;  wherefore  they  doubted  his  rising 
again,  if  they  found  not  a  mean  to  remove  him  shortly  from 
the  king.  Insomuch  that  they  thought  it  convenient  for  their 
purpose  to  inform  the  king,  upon  certain  considerations  which 
they  invented,  that  it  were  very  necessary  that  my  lord  should 
go  down  into  the  North  unto  his  benefice  of  York,  where  he 
should  be  a  good  stay  for  the  country ;  to  the  which  the  king, 
supposing  that  they  had  meant  no  less  than  good  faith,  granted 
and  condescended  to  their  suggestions;  which  was  offered  with 
so  wonderful  imagined  considerations,  that  the  king,  under- 
standing nothing  of  their  intent,  was  lightly  persuaded  to  the 
same.  Whereupon  the  Duke  of  Norfolk  commanded  Master 
Cromwell,  who  had  daily  access  unto  him,  to  say  to  my  lord, 
that  it  is  the  king's  pleasure  that  he  should  with  speed  go  to  his 
benefice,  where  lieth  his  cure,  and  look  to  that  according  to 
his  duty.  Master  Cromwell  at  his  next  repair  to  my  lord,  de- 
clared unto  him  what  my  Lord  of  Norfolk  said,  as  he  lay  then 
at  Richmond,  how  it  was  determined  that  he  should  go  to  his 
benefice.  *  Well  then,  Thomas,'  quoth  my  lord,  '  seeing  there  is 
none  other  remedy,  I  do  intend  to  go  to  my  benefice  of  Win- 
chester, and  I  pray  you,  Thomas,  so  show  my  Lord  of  Norfolk.' 
'Contented,  sir,'  quoth  Master  Cromwell,  and  according  to 
his  commandment  did  so.  To  the  which  my  Lord  of  Nor- 
folk answered  and  said,  *  What  will  he  do  there?  Nay,'  quoth 
he,  *  let  him  go  into  his  province  of  York,  whereof  he  hath 
received  his  honour,  and  there  lieth  the  spiritual  burden  and 
charge  of  his  conscience,  as  he  ought  to  do,  and  so  show  him.' 
The  lords,  who  were  not  all  his  friends,  having  intelligence  of 
his  intent,  thought  to  withdraw  his  appetite  from  Winchester, 


Cartitnal  i^olsie^  127 

and  would  in  no  wise  permit  him  to  plant  himself  so  nigh  the 
king :  they  moved  therefore  the  king  to  give  my  lord  but  a 
pension  out  of  Winchester,  and  to  distribute  all  the  rest  among 
the  nobility  and  other  of  his  worthy  servants;  and  in  like  wise 
to  do  the  same  with  the  revenues  of  St.  Albans;  and  of  the  re- 
venues of  his  colleges  in  Oxford  and  Ipswich,  the  which  the 
king  took  into  his  own  hands;  whereof  Master  Cromwell  had 
the  receipt  and  government  before  by  my  lord's  assignment. 
In  consideration  thereof  it  was  thought  most  convenient  that 
he  should  have  so  still.  Notwithstanding,  out  of  the  revenues 
of  Winchester  and  St.  Albans  the  king  gave  to  some  one  no- 
bleman three  hundred  marks,  and  to  some  a  hundred  pounds, 
and  to  some  more  and  to  some  less,  according  to  the  king's 
royal  pleasure.  Now  Master  Cromwell  executed  his  office,  the 
which  he  had  over  the  lands  of  the  college,  so  justly  and  ex- 
actly, that  he  was  had  in  great  estimation  for  his  witty  behavi- 
our therein,  and  also  for  the  true,  faithful,  and  diligent  service 
extended  towards  my  lord  his  master,  that  it  came  at  length  so 
to  pass  that  those  to  whom  the  king  had  given  any  annuities  or 
fees  for  term  of  life  by  patent  out  of  the  fore-named  revenues 
could  not  be  good,  but  during  my  lord's  life,  forasmuch  as  the 
king  had  no  longer  estate  or  title  therein,  which  came  to  him 
by  reason  of  my  lord's  attainder  in  the  premunire;  and  to  make 
their  estates  good  and  sufficient  according  to  their  patents,  it 
was  thought  necessary  to  have  my  lord's  confirmation  unto  their 
grants.  And  this  to  be  brought  about,  there  was  no  other  mean 
but  to  make  suit  to  Master  Cromwell  to  obtain  the  confirma- 
tion at  my  lord's  hands,  whom  they  thought  might  best  obtain 
the  same. 

Then  began  both  noblemen  and  other  who  had  any  patents 
of  the  king,  out  either  of  Winchester  or  St.  Albans,  to  make 
earnest  suit  to  Master  Cromwell  for  to  solicit  their  causes  to 
my  lord,  to  get  of  him  his  confirmations;  and  for  his  pains 
therein  sustained,  they  promised  every  man,  not  only  worthily 


1 2  8  tlDlje  ilife  of 

to  reward  him,  but  also  to  show  him  such  pleasures  as  should 
at  all  times  lie  in  their  several  powers,  whereof  they  assured 
him.  Wherein  Master  Cromwell  perceiving  an  occasion  and 
a  tirtie  given  him  to  work  for  himself,  and  to  bring  the  thing 
to  pass  which  he  long  wished  for;  intended  to  work  so  in  these 
matters,  to  serve  their  desires,  that  he  might  the  sooner  bring 
his  own  enterprise  to  purpose. 

Then  at  his  next  resort  to  my  lord,  he  moved  him  privily  in 
this  matter  to  have  his  counsel  and  his  advice,  and  so  by  their 
witty  heads  it  was  devised  that  they  should  work  together  by 
one  line,  to  bring  by  their  policies  Master  Cromwell  in  place 
and  estate,  where  he  might  do  himself  good  and  my  lord  much 
profit.  Now  began  matters  to  work  to  bring  Master  Cromwell 
into  estimation  in  such  sort  as  was  afterwards  much  to  his 
increase  of  dignity  :  and  thus  every  man,  having  an  occasion 
to  sue  for  my  lord's  confirmation,  made  now  earnest  travail  to 
Master  Cromwell  for  these  purposes,  who  refused  none  to 
make  promise  that  he  would  do  his  best  in  that  case.  And 
having  a  great  occasion  of  access  to  the  king  for  the  disposi- 
tion of  divers  lands,  whereof  he  had  the  order  and  governance; 
by  means  whereof,  and  by  his  witty  demeanour,  he  grew  con- 
tinually into  the  king's  favour,  as  ye  shall  hear  after  in  this 
history.  But  first  let  us  resort  to  the  great  business  about  the 
assurance  of  all  these  patents  which  the  king  hath  given  to 
divers  noblemen  and  other  of  his  servants,  wherein  Master 
Cromwell  made  a  countenance  of  great  suit  to  my  lord  for  the 
same,  that  in  process  of  time  he  served  all  their  turns  so  that 
they  had  their  purposes,  and  he  their  good  wills.  Thus  rose 
his  name  and  friendly  acceptance  with  all  men.  The  fame  of 
his  honesty  and  wisdom  sounded  so  in  the  king's  ears  that,  by 
reason  of  his  access  to  the  king,  he  perceived  to  be  in  him  no 
less  wisdom  than  fame  had  made  of  him  report,  forasmuch  as  he 
had  the  government  and  receipts  of  those  lands  which  I  showed 
you  before ;  and  the  conference  that  he  had  with  the  king 


CartJtnal  3^olse^  129 

therein,  enforced  the  king  to  repute  him  a  very  wise  man,  and 
a  meet  instrument  to  serve  his  Grace,  as  it  after  came  to  pass. 

Sir,  now  the  lords  thought  long  to  remove  my  lord  further 
from  the  king,  and  out  of  his  common  trade  ;  wherefore  among 
other  of  the  lords,  my  Lord  of  Norfolk  said  to  Master  Crom- 
well :  *  Sir,'  quoth  he,  '  me  thinketh  that  the  cardinal  your 
master  maketh  no  haste  northward ;  show  him,  that  if  he  go 
not  away  shortly,  I  will,  rather  than  he  should  tarry  still,  tear 
him  with  my  teeth.  Therefore  I  would  advise  him  to  prepare 
him  away  as  shortly  as  he  can,  or  else  he  shall  be  sent  forward.' 
These  words  Master  Cromwell  reported  to  my  lord  at  his  next 
repair  unto  him,  who  then  had  a  just  occasion  to  resort  to  him 
for  the  dispatch  of  the  noblemen's  and  others'  patents.  And 
here  I  will  leave  of  this  matter,  and  show  you  of  my  lord's 
being  at  Richmond. 

My  lord,  having  license  of  the  king  to  repair  and  remove 
to  Richmond,  made  haste  to  prepare  him  thitherward ;  and 
so  he  came  and  lodged  within  the  great  park  there,  which  was 
a  very  pretty  house  and  a  neat,  lacking  no  necessary  rooms  that 
to  so  small  a  house  was  convenient  and  necessary ;  where  was 
to  the  same  a  very  proper  garden  garnished  with  divers  pleasant 
walks  and  alleys.  My  lord  continued  in  this  lodge  from  the 
time  that  he  came  thither,  shortly  after  Candlemas,  until  it 
was  Lent,  with  a  privy  number  of  servants,  because  of  the 
smallness  of  the  house,  and  the  rest  of  his  family  went  to 
board  wages. 

I  will  tell  you  a  certain  tale  by  the  way  of  communication. 
Sir,  as  my  lord  was  accustomed  towards  night  to  walk  in  the 
garden,  there  to  say  his  service,  it  was  my  chance  then  to  wait 
upon  him  there ;  and  standing  still  in  an  alley,  whilst  he  in 
another  walked  with  his  chaplain,  saying  of  his  service.  And 
as  I  stood,  I  espied  certain  images  of  beasts  counterfeit  in  timber, 
standing  in  a  corner  under  the  lodge  wall,  to  the  which  I  had 
repaired  to  behold.    Among  whom  I  saw  there  a  dun  cow, 


I30  CJeHifeof 

whereon  I  mused  most,  because  it  seemed  me  to  be  the  most 
liveliest  entaylled  among  all  the  rest.  My  lord  being,  as  I  said, 
walking  on  the  other  side  of  the  garden,  perceived  me,  came 
suddenly  upon  me  at  my  back,  unawares,  and  said :  '  What 
have  ye  espied  here,  that  ye  so  attentively  look  upon  ? '  '  For- 
sooth, if  it  please  your  Grace,'  quoth  I,  *  here  I  do  behold  these 
entaylled  images ;  the  which  I  supposed  were  ordained  for  to 
be  set  up  within  some  place  about  the  king's  place  :  howbeit, 
sir,  among  them  all,  I  have  most  considered  the  dun  cow,  in 
the  which  as  it  seemeth  me,  the  workman  has  most  apertly 
showed  his  cunning.'  <  Yea,  marry,  sir,'  quoth  my  lord,  *  upon 
this  dun  cow  dependeth  a  certain  prophecy,  the  which  I  will 
show  you,  for  peradventure  ye  never  heard  of  it  before.  There 
is  a  saying,'  quoth  he,  *  that 

"  When  this  cow  rideth  the  bull. 
Then  priest,  beware  thy  skull."  ' 

Of  which  prophecy  neither  my  lord  that  declared  it,  nor  I  that 
heard  it,  understood  the  effect ;  although  that  even  then  it  was 
a-working  to  be  brought  to  pass.  For  this  cow  the  king  gave 
as  one  of  his  beasts  appertaining  of  antiquity  unto  his  earldom 
of  Richmond,  which  was  his  ancient  inheritance.  This  pro- 
phecy was  after  expounded  in  this  wise  :  this  dun  cow,  because 
it  was  the  king's  beast,  betokened  the  king  ;  and  the  bull  be- 
tokened Mistress  Anne  Boleyn,  which  was  after  queen,  because 
her  father.  Sir  Thomas  Boleyn,  gave  the  same  beast  in  his  cog- 
nisance. So  that  when  the  king  had  married  her,  the  which 
was  then  unknown  to  my  lord,  or  to  any  other  at  that  time, 
then  was  this  prophecy  thought  of  all  men  to  be  fulfilled.  For 
what  a  number  of  priests,  both  religious  and  secular,  lost  their 
heads  for  offending  of  such  laws  as  was  then  made  to  bring  this 
prophecy  to  effect,  it  is  not  unknown  to  all  the  world.  There- 
fore it  was  judged  of  all  men  that  this  prophecy  was  then  ful- 
filled when  the  king  and  she  were  joined  in  marriage.    Now, 


Cartiinal  3^olse^  131 

how  dark  and  obscure  riddles  and  prophecies  be,  you  may  be- 
hold in  this  same  :  for  before  it  was  brought  to  pass  there  was 
not  the  wisest  prophesier  could  perfectly  discuss  it,  as  it  is  now 
come  to  effect  and  purpose.  Trust  therefore,  be  mine  advice, 
to  no  kind  of  dark  riddles  and  prophecies,  wherein  ye  may,  as 
many  have  been,  be  deceived,  and  brought  to  destruction.  And 
many  times  the  imaginations  and  travailous  business  to  avoid 
such  dark  and  strange  prophecies,  hath  been  the  very  occasion 
to  bring  the  same  the  sooner  to  effect  and  perfection.  There- 
fore let  men  beware  to  divine  or  assure  themselves  to  expound 
any  such  prophecies,  for  whoso  doeth  shall  first  deceive  them- 
selves, and  secondly,  bring  many  into  error ;  the  experience 
hath  been  lately  experienced,  the  more  pity.  But  if  men  will 
needs  think  themselves  so  wise,  to  be  assured  of  such  blind  pro- 
phecies, and  will  work  their  wills  therein,  either  in  avoiding  or 
in  fulfilling  the  same,  God  send  him  well  to  speed,  for  he  may  as 
well  and  much  more  sooner,  take  damage  than  avoid  the  dan- 
ger thereof!  Let  prophecies  alone,  a  God's  name,  apply  your 
vocation,  and  commit  the  exposition  of  such  dark  riddles  and 
obscure  prophecies  to  God,  that  disposeth  them  as  his  divine 
pleasure  shall  see  cause  to  alter  and  change  all  your  enterprises 
and  imaginations  to  nothing,  and  deceive  all  your  expectations, 
and  cause  you  to  repent  your  great  folly,  the  which  when  ye 
feel  the  smart,  will  yourself  confess  the  same  to  be  both  great 
folly  and  much  more,  madness,  to  trust  in  any  such  fantasies. 
Let  God  therefore  dispose  them,  who  guerdoneth  and  punish- 
eth  according  to  men's  deserts,  and  not  to  all  men's  judgments. 
You  have  heard  herebefore  what  words  the  Duke  of  Nor- 
folk had  to  Master  Cromwell  touching  my  lord's  going  into  the 
North  to  his  benefice  of  York,  at  such  time  as  Master  Crom- 
well declared  the  same  to  my  lord;  to  whom  my  lord  answered 
in  this  wise :  '  Marry,  Thomas,'  quoth  he,  'then  it  is  time  to  be 
going,  if  my  Lord  of  Norfolk  take  it  so.  Therefore  I  pray  you 
go  to  the  king  and  move  his  Highness  in  my  behalf,  and  say 


that  I  would,  with  all  my  heart,  go  to  my  benefice  at  York,  but 
for  want  of  money ;  desiring  his  Grace  to  assist  me  with  some 
money  towards  my  journey.  For  ye  may  say  that  the  last  money 
that  I  received  of  his  Majesty  hath  been  too  little  to  pay  my 
debts,  compelled  by  his  council  so  to  do ;  therefore  to  constrain 
me  to  the  payment  thereof,  and  his  Highness  having  all  my 
goods,  hath  been  too  much  extremity ;  wherein  I  trust  his  Grace 
will  have  a  charitable  aspect.  Ye  may  say  also  to  my  Lord  of 
Norfolk,  and  other  of  the  council,  that  I  would  depart  if  I  had 
money.'  '  Sir,'  quoth  Master  Cromwell,  *  I  will  do  my  best.' 
And  after  other  communication  he  departed  again,  and  went  to 
London. 

My  lord  then  in  the  beginning  of  Lent  removed  out  of  the 
lodge  into  the  Charterhouse  of  Richmond,  where  he  lay  in 
a  lodging,  which  Doctor  Colet,  sometime  Dean  of  Paul's,  had 
made  for  himself,  until  he  removed  northward,  which  was  in 
the  Passion  Week  after  ;  and  he  had  to  the  same  house  a  secret 
gallery,  which  went  out  of  his  chamber  into  the  Charterhouse 
church,  whither  he  resorted  every  day  to  their  service  ;  and  at 
afternoons  he  would  sit  in  contemplation  with  one  or  other  of 
the  most  ancient  fathers  of  that  house  in  his  cell,  who  among 
them  and  by  their  counsel  persuaded  him  from  the  vain-glory 
of  this  world,  and  gave  him  divers  shirts  of  hair,  the  which  he 
often  wore  afterward,  whereof  I  am  certain.  And  thus  he  pro- 
vided for  the  time  of  his  abode  there  in  godly  contemplation. 

Now  when  Master  Cromwell  came  to  the  court,  he  chanced 
to  move  my  Lord  of  Norfolk  that  my  lord  would  gladly  de- 
part northward  but  for  lack  of  money,  wherein  he  desired  his 
assistance  to  the  king.  Then  went  they  both  jointly  to  the  king, 
to  whom  my  Lord  of  Norfolk  declared  how  my  lord  would 
gladly  depart  northward,  if  he  wanted  not  money  to  bring  him 
thither;  the  king  thereupon  referred  the  assignment  thereof  to 
the  council,  whereupon  they  were  in  divers  opinions.  Some  said 
he  should  have  none,  for  he  had  sufficient  of  late  delivered  him; 


Cardinal  Wolst^  133 

some  would  he  should  have  sufficient  and  enough  ;  and  some 
contrariwise  would  he  should  have  but  a  small  sum ;  and  some 
thought  it  much  against  the  council's  honour,  and  much  more 
against  the  king's  high  dignity,  to  see  him  want  the  main- 
tenance of  his  estate  which  the  king  had  given  him  in  this 
realm  ;  and  also  hath  been  in  such  estimation  with  the  king, 
and  in  great  authority  under  him  in  this  realm  ;  it  should  be 
rather  a  great  slander  in  foreign  realms  to  the  king  and  his 
whole  council,  to  see  him  want  that  lately  had  so  much,  and 
now  so  little.  '  Therefore,  rather  than  he  should  lack,'  quoth 
one  among  them,  '  although  he  never  did  me  good  or  any 
pleasure,  yet  would  I  lay  my  plate  to  gage  for  him  for  a  thou- 
sand pounds,  rather  than  he  should  depart  so  simply  as  some 
would  have  him  for  to  do.  Let  us  do  to  him  as  we  would  be 
done  unto ;  considering  his  small  offence,  and  his  inestimable 
substance  that  he  only  hath  departed  with  all  for  the  same, 
only  for  satisfying  of  the  king's  pleasure,  rather  than  he  would 
stand  in  defence  with  the  king  in  defending  of  his  case,  as  he 
might  justly  have  done,  as  all  ye  know.  Let  not  malice  cloak 
this  matter  whereby  that  pity  and  mercy  may  take  no  place. 
Ye  have  all  your  pleasures  fulfilled  which  ye  have  long  desired, 
and  now  suffer  conscience  to  minister  unto  him  some  liberality ; 
the  day  may  come  that  some  of  us  may  be  in  the  same  case,  ye 
have  such  alterations  in  persons,  as  well  assured  as  ye  suppose 
yourselves  to  be,  and  to  stand  upon  as  sure  a  ground,  and  what 
hangeth  over  our  heads  we  know  not;  I  can  say  no  more :  now 
do  as  ye  list.'  Then  after  all  this  they  began  again  to  consult  in 
this  matter,  and  after  long  debating  and  reasoning  about  the 
same,  it  was  concluded  that  he  should  have  by  the  way  of  prest 
a  thousand  marks  out  of  Winchester  bishoprick,  beforehand  of 
his  pension,  which  the  king  had  granted  him  out  of  the  same, 
for  the  king  had  resumed  the  whole  revenues  of  the  bishoprick 
of  Winchester,  into  his  own  hands ;  yet  the  king  out  of  the  same 
had  granted  divers  great  pensions  unto  divers  noblemen  and 


134  CJeiLifeof 

unto  other  of  his  council ;  so  that  I  do  suppose,  all  things  ac- 
compted,  his  part  was  the  least.  So  that,  when  this  determination 
was  fully  concluded,  they  declared  the  same  to  the  king,  who 
straightways  commanded  that  thousand  marks  to  be  delivered 
out  of  hand  to  Master  Cromwell ;  and  so  it  was.  The  king, 
calling  Master  Cromwell  to  him  secretly,  bade  him  to  resort  to 
him  again  when  he  had  received  the  said  sum  of  money.  And 
according  to  the  same  commandment  he  repaired  again  to  the 
king  ;  to  whom  the  king  said  :  *  Show  my  lord  your  master, 
although  our  council  hath  not  assigned  any  sufficient  sum  of 
money  to  bear  his  charges,  yet  ye  shall  show  him  in  my  behalf, 
that  I  will  send  him  a  thousand  pounds,  of  my  benevolence ; 
and  tell  him  he  shall  not  lack,  and  bid  him  be  of  good  cheer.' 
Master  Cromwell  upon  his  knee  most  humbly  thanked  the  king 
on  my  lord's  behalf,  for  his  great  benevolence  and  noble  heart 
towards  my  lord :  *  Whose  comfortable  words,'  quoth  he,  *  of 
your  Grace,  shall  rejoice  him  more  than  three  times  the  value 
of  your  noble  reward.'  And  therewith  departed  from  the  king 
and  came  to  my  lord  directly  to  Richmond  ;  to  whom  he  de- 
livered the  money,  and  showed  him  all  the  arguments  in  the 
council,  which  ye  have  heard  before,  with  the  progress  of  the 
same ;  and  of  what  it  was,  and  whereof  it  was  levied,  which 
the  council  sent  him ;  and  of  the  money  which  the  king  sent 
him,  and  of  his  comfortable  words  ;  whereof  my  lord  rejoiced 
not  a  little,  and  greatly  comforted.  And  after  the  receipt  of 
this  money  my  lord  consulted  with  Master  Cromwell  about  his 
departure,  and  of  his  journey,  with  the  order  thereof. 

Then  my  lord  prepared  all  things  with  speed  for  his  jour- 
ney into  the  North,  and  sent  to  London  for  livery  clothes  for 
his  servants  that  should  ride  with  him  thither.  Some  he  re- 
fused, such  as  he  thought  were  not  meet  to  serve ;  and  some 
again  of  their  own  mind  desired  him  of  his  favour  to  tarry  still 
here  in  the  south,  being  very  loth  to  abandon  their  native  coun- 
try, their  parents,  wives  and  children,wherewith  he  most  gladly 


Cartitnal  5^olse^  135 

licensed  with  good  will  and  favour,  and  rendered  unto  them 
his  hearty  thanks  for  their  painful  service  and  long  tarriance 
with  him  in  his  troublesome  decay  and  overthrow.  So  that 
now  all  things  being  furnished  towards  this  journey,  which  he 
took  in  the  beginning  of  the  Passion  Week,  before  Easter ;  and 
so  rode  to  a  place,  then  the  abbot's  of  Westminster,  called  Hen- 
don  ;  and  the  next  day  he  removed  to  a  place  called  the  Rye ; 
where  my  Lady  Parre  lay ;  the  next  day  he  rode  to  Royston, 
and  lodged  in  the  monastery  there ;  and  the  next  he  removed  to 
Huntingdon,  and  there  lodged  in  the  Abbey ;  and  from  thence 
he  removed  to  Peterborough,  and  there  lodged  also  within  the 
Abbey,  being  then  Palm  Sunday,  where  he  made  his  abode  until 
the  Thursday  in  Easter  Week,  with  all  his  train  ;  whereof  the 
most  part  went  to  board  wages  in  the  town,  having  twelve  carts 
to  carry  his  stuff  of  his  own,  which  came  from  his  college  in 
Oxford,  where  he  had  three  score  carts  to  carry  such  neces- 
saries as  belonged  to  his  buildings  there.  Upon  Palm  Sunday 
he  went  in  procession,  with  the  monks  bearing  his  palm ;  set- 
ting forth  God's  service  right  honourably,  with  such  singing 
men  as  he  then  had  remaining  with  him.  And  upon  Maundy 
Thursday  he  made  his  Maundy  in  our  Lady's  Chapel,  having 
fifty-nine  poor  men,  whose  feet  he  then  washed,  wiped,  and 
kissed ;  each  of  these  poor  men  had  twelve  pence  in  money, 
three  ells  of  canvas  to  make  them  shirts,  a  pair  of  new  shoes, 
a  cast  of  bread,  three  red  herrings,  and  three  white  herrings, 
and  the  odd  person  had  two  shillings.  Upon  Easter  Day  in  the 
morning  he  rode  to  the  resurrection,  and  that  day  he  went  in 
procession  in  his  vesture  cardinal,  with  his  hat  and  hood  upon 
his  head,  and  he  himself  sang  there  the  high  mass  very  devoutly ; 
and  granted  clean  remission  to  all  the  hearers ;  and  there  con- 
tinued all  the  holidays. 

My  lord  continuing  at  Peterborough  after  this  manner,  in- 
tending to  remove  from  thence,  sent  me  to  Sir  William  Fitz- 
william,  a  knight,  which  dwelt  within  three  or  four  miles  of 


136  %fit%iUof 

^^ftferborough,  to  provide  him  there  a  lodging  until  Monday 
next  following,  on  his  j  ourney  northward.  And  being  with  him, 
to  whom  I  declaredmy  lord's  request,  and  he  being  thereof  very 
glad,  rejoiced  not  a  little  that  it  would  please  my  lord  to  visit 
his  house  in  his  way;  saying,  that  he  should  be,  the  king's 
majesty  excepted,  most  heartiliest  welcome  to  him  of  any  man 
alive,  and  that  he  should  not  need  to  discharge  the  carriage  of 
any  of  his  stuff  for  his  own  use  during  the  time  of  his  being 
there;  but  have  all  things  furnished  ready  against  his  coming  to 
occupy,  his  own  bed  excepted.  Thus  upon  my  report  made  to 
my  lord  at  my  return,  he  rejoiced  of  my  message,  commanding 
me  thereto  to  give  warning  to  all  his  officers  and  servants  to 
prepare  themselves  to  remove  from  Peterborough  upon  Thurs- 
day next.  Then  every  man  made  all  things  in  such  readiness 
as  was  convenient,  paying  in  the  town  for  all  things  as  they  had 
taken  of  any  person  for  their  own  use,  for  which  cause  my  lord 
caused  a  proclamation  to  be  made  in  the  town,  that  if  any  per- 
son or  persons  in  the  town  or  country  there,  were  offended  or 
grieved  against  any  of  my  lord's  servants,  that  they  should  re- 
sort to  my  lord's  officers  of  whom  they  should  have  redress,  and 
truly  answered  as  the  case  justly  required.  So  that,  all  things 
being  furnished,  my  lord  took  his  journey  from  Peterborough 
upon  the  Thursday  in  Easter  Week,  to  Master  Fitzwilliam's, 
where  he  was  joyously  received,  and  had  most  worthy  and  hon- 
ourable entertainment  at  the  only  charges  and  expenses  of  the 
said  Master  Fitzwilliam,  all  his  time  being  there. 

The  occasion  that  moved  Master  Fitzwilliam  thus  to  rejoice 
of  my  lord's  being  in  his  house  was,  that  he,  sometime  being  a 
merchant  of  London  and  sheriff  there,  fell  in  debate  with  the 
city  of  London  upon  a  grudge  between  the  aldermen  of  the 
bench  and  him,  upon  a  new  corporation  that  he  would  erected 
of  a  new  mystery  called  Merchant  Taylors,  contrary  to  the  opin- 
ion of  divers  of  the  bench  of  aldermen  of  the  city  of  London, 
which  caused  him  to  give  and  surrender  his  cloak,  and  departed 


Cartiinal  Wolst^  1 3  7 

from  London,  and  inhabited  within  the  country ;  and  ag^Mr 
the  malice  of  all  the  said  aldermen  and  other  rulers  in  the  com- 
monweal of  the  city,  my  lord  defended  him,  and  retained  him 
into  service,  whom  he  made  first  his  treasurer  of  his  house,  and 
then  after  his  high  chamberlain;  and  in  conclusion,  for  his 
wisdom,  gravity,  port,  and  eloquence,  being  a  gentleman  of  a 
comely  stature,  made  him  one  of  the  king's  counsel:  and  so 
continued  all  his  life  afterward.  Therefore  in  consideration  of 
all  these  gratitudes  received  at  my  lord's  hands,  as  well  in  his 
trouble  as  in  his  preferment,  was  most  gladdest,  like  a  faithful 
friend  of  good  remembrance,  to  requite  him  with  semblable 
gratuity,  and  right  joyous  that  he  had  any  occasion  to  minister 
some  pleasure,  such  as  lay  then  in  his  power  to  do. 

Thus  my  lord  continued  there  until  the  Monday  next ;  where 
lacked  no  good  cheer  of  costly  viands,  both  of  wine  and  other 
goodly  entertainment ;  so  that  upon  the  said  Monday  my  lord 
departed  from  thence  unto  Stamford ;  where  he  lay  all  that 
night.  And  the  next  day  he  removed  from  thence  unto  Gran- 
tham, and  was  lodged  in  a  gentleman's  house,  called  Master 
Hall.  And  the  next  day  he  rode  to  Newark,  and  lodged  in  the 
castle  all  that  night ;  the  next  day  he  rode  to  Southwell,  a  place 
of  my  lord's  within  three  or  four  miles  of  Newark,  where  he 
intended  to  continue  all  that  summer,  as  he  did  after. 

Here  I  must  declare  to  you  a  notable  tale  of  communica- 
tion which  was  done  at  Master  Fitzwilliam's  before  his  depart- 
ure from  thence,  between  my  lord  and  me,  the  which  was  this : 
Sir,  my  lord  being  in  the  garden  at  Master  Fitzwilliam's,  walk- 
ing, saying  of  his  evensong  with  his  chaplain,  I  being  there 
giving  attendance  upon  him,  his  evensongfinished,  commanded 
his  chaplain  that  bare  up  the  train  of  his  gown  whilst  he  walked, 
to  deliver  me  the  same,  and  to  go  aside  when  he  had  done;  and 
after  the  chaplain  was  gone  a  good  distance,  he  said  unto  me  in 
this  wise :  *  Ye  have,'  quoth  he,  'been  late  at  London.'  *  For- 
sooth, my  lord,'  quoth  I,  *  not  late,  since  that  I  was  there  to  buy 


138  CJeiCifeof 

your  liveries  for  your  servants.'  *  And  w^hat  news  was  there  then ; 
heard  you  no  communication  there  of  me  ?  I  pray  you  tell  me,' 
Then  perceiving  that  I  had  a  good  occasion  to  talk  my  mind 
plainly  unto  him,  said,  'Sir,  if  it  please  your  Grace,  it  was  my 
chance  to  be  at  a  dinner  in  a  certain  place  within  the  city,  where 
I,  among  divers  other  honest  and  worshipful  gentlemen  happed 
to  sit,  which  were  for  the  most  part  of  my  old  familiar  acquaint- 
ance, wherefore  they  were  the  more  bolder  to  enter  in  com- 
munication with  me,  understanding  that  I  was  still  your  Grace's 
servant ;  asked  me  a  question,  which  I  could  not  well  assoil  them,' 
*  What  was  that .? '  quoth  my  lord.  '  Forsooth,  sir,'  quoth  I,  *  first 
they  asked  me  how  ye  did,  and  how  ye  accepted  your  adversity, 
and  trouble,  and  the  loss  of  your  goods;  to  which  I  answered, 
that  you  were  in  health  (thanks  be  to  God),  and  took  all  things 
in  good  part;  and,  sir,  it  seemed  me,  that  they  were  all  your 
indifferent  friends,  lamenting  your  decay,  and  loss  of  your  room 
and  goods,  doubting  much  that  the  sequel  thereof  could  not  be 
good  in  the  commonwealth.  For  often  changing  such  offices 
which  be  fat  fed,  into  the  hands  of  such  as  be  lean  and  hungry 
for  riches,  they  will  sure  travail  by  all  means  to  get  abundance, 
and  so  thepoor  commons  be  pilled  and  extorted  for  greedy  lucre 
of  riches  and  treasure :  they  said  that  ye  were  full  fed,  and  in- 
tended now  much  to  the  advancement  of  the  king's  honour  and 
the  commonwealth.  Also  they  marvelled  much  that  ye,  being 
of  so  excellent  a  wit  and  high  discretion,  would  so  simply  con- 
fess yourself  guilty  in  the  premunire,  wherein  ye  might  full  well 
have  stood  in  the  trial  of  your  case.  For  they  understood,  by  the 
report  of  some  of  the  king's  counsel  learned,  that  in  your  case 
wellconsidered,  ye  had  great  wrong;  to  the  which  I  could  make, 
as  me  thought,  no  sufficient  answer,  but  said, "  That  I  doubt  not 
your  so  doing  was  upon  some  greater  consideration  than  my  wit 
could  understand."  '  *Is  this,'  quoth  he,  'the  opinion  of  wise 
men  ? '  *  Yea,  forsooth,  my  lord,'  quoth  I, '  and  almost  of  all  other 
men,'  'Well,  then,'  quoth  he,  *  I  see  that  their  wisdoms  perceive 


Cartiinal  i^olse^  139 

not  the  ground  of  the  matter  that  moved  me  so  to  do.  For  I 
considered,  that  my  enemies  had  brought  the  matter  so  to  pass 
against  me,  and  conveyed  it  so,  that  they  made  it  the  king's  case, 
and  caused  the  king  to  take  the  matter  into  his  own  hands  and 
quarrel,  and  after  that  he  had  upon  the  occasion  thereof  seized 
all  my  goods  and  possessions  into  his  demayns,  and  then  the 
quarrel  to  be  his,  rather  than  yield,  or  take  a  foil  in  the  law, 
and  thereby  restore  to  me  all  my  goods  again,  would  sooner  (by 
the  procurement  of  my  enemies  and  evil-willers)  imagine  my 
utter  undoing  and  destruction;  whereof  the  most  ease  therein 
had  been  for  me  perpetual  imprisonment.  And  rather  than  I 
would  jeopard  so  far,  or  put  my  life  in  any  such  hazard,  yet  had 
I  most  liefest  to  yield  and  confess  the  matter,  committing  the 
sole  sum  thereof,  as  I  did,  unto  the  king's  clemency  and  mercy, 
and  live  at  large,  like  a  poor  vicar,  than  to  lie  in  prison  with  all 
the  goods  and  honours  that  I  had.  And  therefore  it  was  the 
most  best  way  for  me,  all  things  considered,  to  do  as  I  have  done, 
than  to  stand  in  trial  with  the  king,  for  he  would  have  been 
loth  to  have  been  noted  a  wrong-doer ;  and  in  my  submission,  the 
king,  I  doubt  not,  had  a  great  remorse  of  conscience,  wherein 
he  would  rather  pity  me  than  malign  me.  And  also  there  was 
a  continual  serpentine  enemy  about  the  king  that  would,  I  am 
well  assured,  if  I  had  been  found  stiff-necked,  have  called  con- 
tinually upon  the  king  in  his  ear  (I  mean  the  night-crow)  with 
such  a  vehemency  that  I  should  with  the  help  of  her  assistance 
have  obtained  sooner  the  king's  indignation  than  his  lawful 
favour;  and  his  favour  once  lost  (which  I  trust  at  this  present 
I  have)  would  never  have  been  by  me  recovered.  Therefore,  I 
thought  it  better  for  me  to  keep  still  his  loving  favour,  with 
loss  of  my  goods  and  dignities,  than  to  win  my  goods  and  sub- 
stance with  the  loss  of  his  love  and  princely  favour,  which  is 
but  only  death  ;  ^ia  indignatio  principis  mors  est.  And  this  was 
the  special  ground  and  cause  that  I  yielded  myself  guilty  in  the 
premunire ;  which  I  perceive  all  men  knew  not,  wherein  since 


I40  Cfje  Hife  of 

I  understand  the  king  hath  conceived  a  certain  prick  of  con- 
science ;  who  took  secretly  to  himself  the  matter  more  grievous 
in  his  secret  stomach  than  all  men  knew^ ;  for  he  knew  whether 
I  did  offend  him  therein  so  grievously  as  it  was  made  or  no,  to 
whose  conscience  I  do  commit  my  cause,  truth,  and  equity.' 
And  thus  we  left  the  substance  of  all  this  communication;  al- 
though we  had  much  more  talk  ;  yet  this  is  sufficient  to  cause 
you  to  understand  as  well  the  cause  of  his  confession  in  his  of- 
fence, as  also  the  cause  of  the  loss  of  all  his  goods  and  treasure. 

Now  let  us  return  where  we  left,  my  lord  being  in  the  castle 
of  Newark,  intending  to  ride  to  Southwell,  which  was  four 
miles  from  thence,  took  now  his  journey  thitherward  against 
supper.  Where  he  was  fain  for  lack  of  reparation  of  the  bish- 
op's place,  which  appertained  to  the  See  of  York,  to  be  lodged 
in  a  prebendary's  house  against  the  said  place,  and  there  kept 
house  until  Whitsuntide  next,  against  which  time  he  removed 
into  the  place,  newly  amended  and  repaired,  and  there  contin- 
ued the  most  part  of  the  summer,  surely  not  without  great  resort 
of  the  most  worshipfullest  gentlemen  of  the  country,  and  divers 
other,  of  whom  they  were  most  gladly  entertained,  and  had  of 
him  the  best  cheer  he  could  devise  for  them,  whose  gentle  and 
familiar  behaviour  with  them  caused  him  to  be  greatly  beloved 
and  esteemed  through  the  whole  country  thereabouts. 

He  kept  a  noble  house,  and  plenty  both  of  meat  and  drink 
for  all  comers,  both  for  rich  and  poor,  and  much  alms  given 
at  his  gate.  He  used  much  charity  and  pity  among  his  poor 
tenants  and  other ;  although  the  fame  thereof  was  no  pleasant 
sound  in  the  ears  of  his  enemies,  and  of  such  as  bare  him  no 
good  will ;  howbeit  the  common  people  will  report  as  they 
find  cause;  for  he  was  much  more  familiar  among  all  persons 
than  he  was  accustomed,  and  most  gladdest  when  he  had  an 
occasion  to  do  them  good.  He  made  many  agreements  and 
concords  between  gentlemen  and  gentlemen,  and  between 
some  gentlemen  and  their  wives  that  had  been  long  asunder. 


and  in  great  trouble,  and  divers  other  agreements  between 
other  persons;  making  great  assembhes  for  the  same  purpose, 
and  feasting  of  them,  not  sparing  for  any  costs,  where  he 
might  make  a  peace  and  amity ;  which  purchased  him  much 
love  and  friendship  in  the  country. 

It  chanced  that  upon  Corpus  Christi  Eve,  after  supper,  my 
lord  commanded  me  to  prepare  all  things  for  him  in  a  readi- 
ness against  the  next  day,  for  he  intended  to  sing  high  mass  in 
the  minster  that  day;  and  I,  not  forgetting  his  commandment, 
gave  like  warning  to  all  his  officers  of  his  house,  and  other 
of  my  fellows,  to  foresee  that  all  things  appertaining  to  their 
rooms  were  fully  furnished  to  my  lord's  honour.  This  done 
I  went  to  my  bed,  where  I  was  scantly  asleep  and  warm,  but 
that  one  of  the  porters  came  to  my  chamber  door,  calling 
upon  me,  and  said,  there  was  two  gentlemen  at  the  gate  that 
would  gladly  speak  with  my  lord  from  the  king.  With  that 
I  arose  up  and  went  incontinent  unto  the  gate  with  the  porter, 
demanding  what  they  were  that  so  fain  would  come  in.  They 
said  unto  me,  that  there  was  Master  Brereton,  one  of  the  gen- 
tlemen of  the  king's  privy  chamber,  and  Master  Wriothesly, 
who  were  come  from  the  king  empost,  to  speak  with  my  lord. 
Then  having  understanding  what  they  were,  I  caused  the  porter 
to  let  them  in.  And  after  their  entry  they  desired  me  to  speak 
with  my  lord  without  delay,  for  they  might  not  tarry ;  at  whose 
request  I  repaired  to  my  lord's  chamber,  and  waked  him,  who 
was  asleep.  But  when  he  heard  me  speak,  he  demanded  of 
me  what  I  would  have.  '  Sir,'  quoth  I,  *  there  be  beneath  in 
the  porter's  lodge.  Master  Brereton,  gentleman  of  the  king's 
privy  chamber,  and  Master  Wriothesly,  come  from  the  king  to 
speak  with  you :  they  will  not  tarry ;  therefore  they  beseech 
your  Grace  to  speak  with  you  out  of  hand.'  '  Well  then,'  quoth 
my  lord,  *  bid  them  come  up  into  my  dining  chamber,  and  I  will 
prepare  myself  to  come  to  them.'  Then  I  resorted  to  them 
again,  and  showed  them  that  my  lord  desired  them  to  come 


142  tlDfjeiLifeof 

up  unto  him,  and  he  would  talk  with  them,  with  a  right  good 
will.  They  thanked  me,  and  went  with  me  unto  my  lord, 
and  as  soon  as  they  perceived  him,  being  in  his  night  apparel, 
did  to  him  humble  reverence ;  whom  he  took  by  the  hands,  de- 
manding of  them,  how  the  king  his  sovereign  lord  did.  *  Sir,* 
said  they, '  right  well  in  health  and  merry,  thanks  be  unto  our 
Lord.  Sir,'  quoth  they,  *  we  must  desire  you  to  talk  with  you 
apart.'  •  With  a  right  good  will,'  quoth  my  lord,  who  drew 
them  aside  into  a  great  window,  and  there  talked  with  them 
secretly ;  and  after  long  talk  they  took  out  of  a  male  a  certain 
coffer  covered  with  green  velvet,  and  bound  with  bars  of  silver 
and  gilt,  with  a  lock  of  the  same,  having  a  key  which  was  gilt, 
with  the  which  they  opened  the  same  chest;  out  of  which  they 
took  a  certain  instrument  or  writing,  containing  more  than 
one  skin  of  parchment,  having  many  great  seals  hanging  at  it, 
whereunto  they  put  more  wax  for  my  lord's  seal ;  the  which 
my  lord  sealed  with  his  own  seal,  and  subscribed  his  name  to 
the  same ;  and  that  done  they  would  needs  depart,  and  (foras- 
much as  it  was  after  midnight)  my  lord  desired  them  to  tarry, 
and  take  a  bed.  They  thanked  him,  and  said  they  might  in  no 
wise  tarry,  for  they  would  with  all  speed  to  the  Earl  of  Shrews- 
bury's directly  without  let,  because  they  would  be  there  or  ever 
he  stirred  in  the  morning.  And  my  lord,  perceiving  their  hasty 
speed,  caused  them  to  eat  such  cold  meat  as  there  was  in  store 
within  the  house,  and  to  drink  a  cup  or  two  of  wine.  And  that 
done,  he  gave  each  of  them  four  old  sovereigns  of  gold,  de- 
siring them  to  take  it  in  gree,  saying,  that  if  he  had  been  of 
greater  ability,  their  reward  should  have  been  better ;  and  so 
taking  their  leave  they  departed.  And  after  they  were  depart- 
ed, as  I  heard  say,  they  were  not  contented  with  their  reward. 
Indeed  they  were  not  none  of  his  indifferent  friends,  which 
caused  them  to  accept  it  so  disdainously.  Howbeit,  if  they 
knew  what  little  store  of  money  he  had  at  that  present,  they 
would,  I  am  sure,  being  but  his  indifferent  friends,  have  given 


Cartiinal  WolQt^  143 

him  hearty  thanks:  but  nothing  is  more  lost  or  cast  away  than 
is  such  things  which  is  given  to  such  ingrate  persons.  My  lord 
went  again  to  bed ;  and  yet,  all  his  watch  and  disturbance  that 
he  had  that  night  notwithstanding,  he  sang  high  mass  the  next 
day  as  he  appointed  before.  There  was  none  in  all  his  house 
that  knew  of  the  coming  or  going  of  these  gentlemen  ;  and  yet 
there  lay  within  the  said  house  many  worshipful  strangers. 

After  this  sort  and  manner  my  lord  continued  at  South- 
well, until  the  latter  end  of  grease  time ;  at  which  time  he 
intended  to  remove  to  Scroby,  which  was  another  house  of 
the  bishoprick  of  York.  And  against  the  day  of  his  removing, 
he  caused  all  his  officers  to  prepare,  as  well  for  provision  to  be 
made  for  him  there,  as  also  for  carriage  of  his  stuff,  and  other 
matters  concerning  his  estate.  His  removing  and  intent  was  not 
so  secret  but  that  it  was  known  abroad  in  the  country;  which 
was  lamentable  to  all  his  neighbours  about  Southwell,  and  as  it 
was  lamentable  unto  them,  so  was  it  as  much  joy  to  his  neigh- 
bours about  Scroby. 

Against  the  day  of  his  removing,  divers  knights  and  other 
gentlemen  of  worship  in  the  country  came  to  him  to  South- 
well, intending  to  accompany  and  attend  upon  him  in  that 
journey  the  next  day,  and  to  conduct  him  through  the  forest 
unto  Scroby.  But  he  being  of  their  purpose  advertised,  how 
they  did  intend  to  have  lodged  a  great  stag  or  twain  for  him 
by  the  way,  purposely  to  show  him  all  the  pleasure  and  dis- 
port they  could  devise,  and  having,  as  I  said,  thereof  intelli- 
gence, was  very  loth  to  receive  any  such  honour  and  disport 
at  their  hands,  not  knowing  how  the  king  would  take  it ;  and 
being  well  assured  that  his  enemies  would  rejoice  much  to 
understand  that  he  would  take  upon  him  any  such  presump- 
tion, whereby  they  might  find  an  occasion  to  inform  the  king 
how  sumptuous  and  pleasant  he  was,  notwithstanding  his  ad- 
versity and  overthrow,  and  so  to  bring  the  king  into  a  wrong 
opinion,  of  small  hope  in  him  of  reconcilement,  but  rather  that 


144  CJe  ilife  of 

he  sought  a  mean  to  obtain  the  favour  of  the  country  to  with- 
stand the  king's  proceedings,  with  divers  such  imaginations, 
wherein  he  might  rather  sooner  catch  displeasure  than  favour 
and  honour.  And  also  he  was  loth  to  make  the  worshipful  gen- 
tlemen privy  to  this  his  imagination,  lest  peradventure  that  they 
should  conceive  some  toy  or  fantasy  in  their  heads  by  means 
thereof,  and  so  to  eschew  their  accustomed  access,  and  absent 
themselves  from  him,  which  should  be  as  much  to  his  grief  as 
the  other  was  to  his  comfort.  Therefore  he  devised  this  mean 
way  as  hereafter  followeth,  which  should  rather  be  taken  for 
a  laughing  disport  than  otherwise :  first  he  called  me  unto  him 
secretly  at  night,  going  to  his  rest,  and  commanded  me  in  many 
wise  most  secretly  that  night  to  cause  six  or  seven  horses,  besides 
his  mule  for  his  own  person,  to  be  made  ready  by  the  break  of 
the  day  for  him  and  such  persons  as  he  appointed  to  ride  with 
him  to  an  Abbey  called  Welbeck,  where  he  intended  to  lodge 
by  the  way  to  Scroby,  willing  me  to  be  also  in  a  readiness  to  ride 
with  him,  and  to  call  him  so  early  that  he  might  be  on  horse- 
back, after  he  had  heard  mass,  by  the  breaking  of  the  day.  Sir, 
what  will  you  more  ?  All  things  being  accomplished  according 
to  his  commandment,  and  the  same  finished  and  done,  he,  with 
a  small  number  before  appointed,  mounted  upon  his  mule,  set- 
ting forth  by  the  breaking  of  the  day  towards  Welbeck,  which 
is  about  sixteen  miles  from  thence ;  whither  my  lord  and  we 
came  before  six  of  the  clock  in  the  morning,  and  he  went 
straight  to  his  bed,  leaving  all  the  gentlemen  strangers  in  their 
beds  at  Southwell,  nothing  privy  of  my  lord's  secret  departure, 
who  expected  his  uprising  until  it  was  eight  of  the  clock.  But 
after  it  was  known  to  them  and  to  all  the  rest  there  remaining 
behind  him,  then  every  man  went  to  horseback,  galloping  after, 
supposing  to  overtake  him.  But  he  was  at  his  rest  in  Welbeck 
or  ever  they  rose  out  of  their  beds  in  Southwell,  and  so  their 
chief  hunting  and  coursing  of  the  great  stag  was  disappointed 
and  dashed.    But  at  their  thither  resort  to  my  lord,  sitting  at 


Cardinal  Wolst^  145 

dinner,  the  matter  was  jested,  and  laughed  out  merrily,  and  all 
the  matter  well  taken. 

My  lord  the  next  day  removed  from  thence,  to  whom  re- 
sorted divers  gentlemen  of  my  lord  the  Earl  of  Shrewsbury's 
servants,  to  desire  my  lord,  in  their  master's  name,  to  hunt  in 
a  park  of  the  earl's  called  Worksop  Park,  the  which  was 
within  a  mile  of  Welbeck,  and  the  very  best  and  next  way  for 
my  lord  to  travel  through  on  his  journey,  where  much  plenty 
of  game  was  laid  in  a  readiness  to  show  him  pleasure.  Howbeit 
he  thanked  my  lord  their  master  for  his  gentleness,  and  them  for 
their  pains ;  saying  that  he  was  no  meet  man  for  any  such  pas- 
time, being  a  man  otherwise  disposed,  such  pastime  and  pleasure 
were  meet  for  such  noblemen  as  delight  therein.  Nevertheless 
he  could  do  no  less  than  to  account  my  Lord  of  Shrewsbury  to 
be  much  his  friend,  in  whom  he  found  such  gentleness  and  no- 
bleness in  his  honourable  offer,  to  whom  he  rendered  his  most 
lowly  thanks ;  but  in  no  wise  they  could  entreat  him  to  hunt. 
Although  the  worshipful  gentlemen  being  in  his  company  pro- 
voked him  all  that  they  could  do  thereto,  yet  he  would  not  con- 
sent, desiring  them  to  be  contented  ;  saying  that  he  came  not 
into  the  country  to  frequent  or  follow  any  such  pleasures  or  pas- 
times, but  only  to  attend  to  a  greater  cure  that  he  had  in  hand, 
which  was  his  duty,  study,  and  pleasure.  And  with  such  reasons 
and  persuasions  he  pacified  them  for  that  time.  Howbeit  yet  as 
he  rode  through  the  park,  both  my  Lord  of  Shrewsbury's  serv- 
ants, and  also  the  foresaid  gentlemen  moved  him  once  again, 
before  whom  the  deer  lay  very  fair  for  all  pleasant  hunting  and 
coursing.  But  it  would  not  be ;  but  he  made  as  much  speed  to 
ride  through  the  park  as  he  could.  And  at  the  issue  out  of  the 
park  he  called  the  earl's  gentlemen  and  the  keepers  unto  him, 
desiring  them  to  have  him  commended  to  my  lord  their  master, 
thanking  him  for  his  most  honourable  offer  and  good  will,  trust- 
ing shortly  to  visit  him  at  his  own  house :  and  gave  the  keepers 
forty  shillings  for  their  pains  and  diligence  who  conducted  him 


146  CfjeHifeof 

through  the  park.  And  so  rode  to  another  abbey  called  RufFord 
Abbey,  to  dinner ;  and  after  he  rode  to  Blythe  Abbey,  where 
he  lay  all  night.  And  the  next  day  he  came  to  Scroby,  where  he 
continued  until  after  Michaelmas,  ministering  many  deeds  of 
charity  most  commonly.  Every  Sunday  (if  the  weather  did 
serve)  he  would  travel  unto  some  parish  church  thereabout,  and 
there  would  say  his  divine  service,  and  either  hear  or  say  mass 
himself,  causing  some  one  of  his  chaplains  to  preach  unto  the 
people.  And  that  done,  he  would  dine  in  some  honest  house 
of  that  own,  where  should  be  distributed  to  the  poor  a  great 
alms,  as  well  of  meat  and  drink  as  of  money  to  supply  the  want 
of  sufficient  meat,  if  the  number  of  the  poor  did  so  exceed  of 
necessity.  And  thus  with  other  good  deeds  practising  and  ex- 
ercising during  his  abode  there  at  Scroby,  as  making  of  love- 
days  and  agreements  between  party  and  party,  being  then  at 
variance,  and  he  daily  frequenting  himself  there  about  such 
business  and  deeds  of  honest  charity. 

Then  about  the  feast  of  St.  Michael  next  ensuing  my  lord 
took  his  journey  towards  Cawood  Castle,  the  which  is  within 
seven  miles  of  York ;  and  passing  thither  he  lay  two  nights 
and  a  day  at  St.  Oswald's  Abbey,  where  he  himself  confirmed 
children  in  the  church,  from  eight  of  the  clock  in  the  morn- 
ing until  eleven  of  the  clock  at  noon.  And  making  a  short 
dinner,  resorted  again  to  the  church  at  one  of  the  clock,  and 
there  began  again  to  confirm  more  children  until  four  of  the 
clock,  where  he  was  at  the  last  constrained  for  weariness  to  sit 
down  in  a  chair,  the  number  of  the  children  was  such.  That 
done,  he  said  his  evensong,  and  then  went  to  supper,  and  rested 
him  there  all  that  night.  And  the  next  morning  he  applied 
himself  to  depart  towards  Cawood ;  and  or  ever  he  departed,  he 
confirmed  almost  an  hundred  children  more ;  and  then  rode 
on  his  journey.  And  by  the  way  there  were  assembled  at  a  stone 
cross  standing  upon  a  green,  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of 
Ferrybridge,  about  the  number  of  two  hundred  children,  to 


Cartiinal  Wolst^  147 

confirm  ;  where  he  alighted,  and  never  removed  his  foot  until 
he  had  confirmed  them  all ;  and  then  took  his  mule  again  and 
rode  to  Cawood,  w^here  he  lay  long  after  with  much  honour 
and  love  of  the  country,  both  of  the  worshipful  and  of  the 
simple,  exercising  himself  in  good  deeds  of  charity,  and  kept 
there  an  honourable  and  plentiful  house  for  all  comers ;  and 
also  built  and  repaired  the  castle,  which  was  then  greatly  de- 
cayed, having  a  great  multitude  of  artificers  and  labourers, 
above  the  number  of  three  hundred  persons,  daily  in  wages. 
And  lying  there,  he  had  intelligence  by  the  gentlemen  of 
the  country,  that  used  to  repair  unto  him,  that  there  was 
sprung  a  great  variance  and  deadly  hate  between  Sir  Richard 
Tempest  and  Master  Brian  Hastings,  then  but  a  squire,  which 
was  after  made  knight,  between  whom  was  like  to  ensue  great 
murder,  unless  some  good  mean  might  be  found  to  redress  the 
inconvenience  that  was  most  likeliest  to  ensue.  My  lord  being 
thereof  advertised,  lamenting  the  case,  made  such  means  by 
his  wisdom  and  letters,  with  other  persuasions,  that  these  two 
gentlemen  were  content  to  resort  to  my  lord  to  Cawood,  and 
there  to  abide  his  order,  high  and  low.  Then  was  there  a  day 
appointed  of  their  assembly  before  my  lord,  at  which  day  they 
came  not  without  great  number  on  each  part.  Wherefore 
against  that  day,  my  lord  had  required  many  worshipful  gen- 
tlemen to  be  there  present,  to  assist  him  with  their  wisdoms 
to  appease  these  two  worthy  gentlemen,  being  at  deadly  feud. 
And  to  see  the  king's  peace  kept,  commanding  no  more  of 
their  number  to  enter  into  the  castle  with  these  two  gentlemen 
than  six  persons  of  each  of  their  menial  servants,  and  all  the  rest 
to  remain  without  in  the  town,  or  where  they  listed  to  repair. 
And  my  lord  himself  issuing  out  of  the  gates,  calling  the  num- 
ber of  both  parties  before  him,  straightly  charging  them  most 
earnestly  to  observe  and  keep  the  king's  peace,  in  the  king's 
name,  upon  their  perils,  without  either  bragging  or  quarrel- 
ling either  with  other;  and  caused  them  to  have  both  beer  and 


148  %\ft  iLlfe  of 

wine  sent  them  into  the  town  ;  and  then  returned  again  into 
the  castle,  being  about  nine  of  the  clock.  And  because  he 
would  have  these  gentlemen  to  dine  with  him  at  his  own 
table,  thought  it  good  in  avoiding  of  further  inconvenience  to 
appease  their  rancour  before.  Whereupon  he  called  them  into 
his  chapel ;  and  there,  with  the  assistance  of  the  other  gentle- 
men, he  fell  into  communication  with  the  matter,  declaring 
unto  them  the  dangers  and  mischiefs  that  through  their  wilful- 
ness and  folly  were  most  likeliest  to  ensue ;  with  divers  other 
good  exhortations.  Notwithstanding,  the  parties  laying  and 
alleging  many  things  for  their  defence,  sometime  adding  each 
to  other  stout  and  despiteful  words  of  defiance,  to  which  my 
lord  and  the  other  gentlemen  had  much  ado  to  qualify,  their 
malice  was  so  great.  Howbeit,atlength,  with  long  continuance 
and  wise  arguments,  and  deep  persuasions  made  by  my  lord, 
they  were  agreed,  and  finally  accorded  about  four  of  the  clock 
at  afternoon;  and  so  made  them  friends.  And,  as  it  seemed, 
they  both  rejoiced,  and  were  right  well  contented  therewith, 
to  the  great  comfort  of  all  the  other  worshipful  gentlemen, 
causing  them  to  shake  hands,  and  go  arm  in  arm  in  to  dinner; 
and  so  went  to  dinner,  though  it  was  very  late  to  dine,  yet  not- 
withstanding they  dined  together  with  the  other  gentlemen 
at  my  lord's  table,  where  they  drank  lovingly  each  to  other, 
with  countenance  of  great  amity.  After  dinner  my  lord  caused 
them  to  discharge  their  routs  and  assembly  that  remained  in 
the  town,  and  to  retain  with  them  no  more  servants  than 
they  were  accustomed  most  commonly  to  ride  with.  And  that 
done,  these  gentlemen,  fulfilling  his  commandment,  tarried  at 
Cawood,  and  lay  there  all  night;  whom  my  lord  entertained  in 
such  sort  that  they  accepted  his  noble  heart  in  great  worthi- 
ness, trusting  to  have  of  him  a  special  jewel  in  their  country : 
having  him  in  great  estimation  and  favour,  as  it  appeared  after- 
ward by  their  behaviour  and  demeanour  towards  him. 

It  is  not  to  be  doubted  but  that  the  worshipful  persons,  as 


Cartitnal  Wolst^  149 

doctors  and  prebendaries  of  the  close  of  York,  would  and  did  re- 
sort unto  him  according  to  their  duties,  as  unto  their  father  and 
patron  of  their  spiritual  dignities  being  at  his  first  coming  into 
the  country,  their  church  of  York  being  within  seven  miles. 
Wherefore  ye  shall  understand  that  Doctor  Hickden,  dean  of 
the  church  of  York,  with  the  treasurer,  and  divers  other  head 
officers  of  the  same,  repaired  to  my  lord,  welcoming  him  most 
joyously  into  the  country;  saying,  that  it  was  to  them  no  small 
comfort  to  see  him  among  them,  as  their  chief  head,  which 
hath  been  so  long  absent  from  them,  being  all  that  while  like 
fatherless  children  and  comfortless,  trusting  shortly  to  see  him 
among  them  in  his  own  church.  *  It  is,'  quoth  he, '  the  special 
cause  of  all  my  travel  into  this  country,  not  only  to  be  among 
you  for  a  time,  but  also  to  spend  my  life  with  you  as  a  very  fa- 
ther, and  a  mutual  brother.'  '  Sir,  then,'  quoth  they,  *  ye  must 
understand  that  the  ordinary  rules  of  our  church  hath  been  of 
an  ancient  custom,  whereof  although  ye  be  head  and  chief 
governor,  yet  be  ye  not  so  well  acquainted  with  them  as  we  be. 
Therefore,  we  shall  under  the  supportation  of  your  Grace,  de- 
clare some  part  thereof  to  you,  as  well  of  our  ancient  customs 
as  of  the  laws  and  usage  of  the  same.  Therefore  ye  shall  un- 
derstand that  where  ye  do  intend  to  repair  unto  us,  the  old  law 
and  custom  of  our  church  hath  been,  that  the  archbishop  being 
our  chief  head  and  pastor,  as  your  Grace  now  be,  might  nor 
ought  not  to  come  before  the  choir  door,  nor  have  any  stall  in 
the  choir,  until  he  by  due  order  were  there  stalled.  For,  if  ye 
should  happen  to  die  before  your  stallation,  ye  shall  not  be 
buried  above  in  the  choir,  but  in  the  body  of  the  same  church 
beneath.  Therefore  we  shall,  una  voce,  require  your  Grace  in 
the  name  of  all  other  our  brethren,  that  you  will  vouchsafe  to 
do  herein  as  your  noble  predecessors  and  honourable  fathers 
hath  done  ;  and  that  ye  will  not  infringe  or  violate  any  of  our 
laudable  ordinances  and  constitutions  of  our  church,  to  the  ob- 
servance and  preservation  whereof  we  be  obliged,  by  virtue  of 


I50  CJeilifeof 

an  oath  at  our  first  admittance,  to  see  them  observed  and  ful- 
filled to  the  uttermost  of  our  powers,  with  divers  other  matters 
remaining  of  record  in  our  treasury  house  among  other  things.' 
*  Those  records,'  quoth  my  lord,  'would  I  gladly  see;  and  these 
seen  and  digested,  I  shall  then  show  you  further  of  my  mind.' 
And  thus  of  this  matter  they  ceased  communication,  and  passed 
forth  in  other  matters  ;  so  that  my  lord  assigned  them  a  day  to 
bring  in  their  records.  At  which  day  they  brought  with  them 
their  register  book  of  records,  wherein  was  written  their  con- 
stitutions and  ancient  rules,  whereunto  all  the  fathers  and  min- 
isters of  the  church  of  York  were  most  chiefly  bound,  both  to 
see  it  done  and  performed,  and  also  to  perform  and  observe  the 
same  themselves.  And  when  my  lord  had  seen,  read,  and  con- 
sidered the  effect  of  their  records,  and  debated  with  them  sub- 
stantially therein,  he  determined  to  be  stalled  there  in  the  min- 
ster the  next  Monday  after  All-hallown  day.  Against  which 
day  there  was  made  necessary  preparation  for  the  furniture 
thereof,  but  not  in  so  sumptuous  a  wise  as  his  predecessors  did 
before  him ;  nor  yet  in  such  a  sort  as  the  common  fame  was 
blown  abroad  of  him  to  his  great  slander,  and  to  the  reporters 
much  more  dishonesty,  to  forge  such  lies  and  blasphemous  re- 
ports, wherein  there  is  nothing  more  untrue.  The  truth  where- 
of I  perfectly  know,  for  I  was  made  privy  to  the  same,  and  sent 
to  York  to  foresee  all  things,  and  to  prepare  according  for  the 
same,  which  should  have  been  much  more  mean  and  base  than 
all  other  of  his  predecessors  heretofore  hath  done. 

It  came  to  pass,  that  upon  All-hallown  day,  one  of  the  head 
officers  of  the  church,  which  should,  by  virtue  of  his  office, 
have  most  doings  in  this  stallation,  was  to  dine  with  my  lord  at 
Cawood ;  and  sitting  at  dinner  they  fell  in  communication  for 
the  order  of  his  stallation,  who  said  to  my  lord  that  he  ought 
to  go  upon  cloth  from  St.  James's  chapel  (standing  without  the 
gates  of  the  city  of  York)  unto  the  minster,  the  which  should 
be  distributed  among  the  poor.    My  lord,  hearing  this,  made 


Cartrinal  Wolst^  1 5 1 

answer  to  the  same  in  this  wise.  *  Although,*  quoth  he, '  that 
our  predecessors  went  upon  cloth  right  sumptuously,  we  do 
intend,  God  willing,  to  go  afoot  from  thence  without  any  such 
glory,  in  the  vamps  of  my  hosen.  For  I  take  God  to  be  my 
very  judge  that  I  presume  not  to  go  thither  for  any  triumph  or 
vain-glory,  but  only  to  fulfil  the  observance  and  rules  of  the 
church,  to  the  which,  as  ye  say,  I  am  bound.  And,  therefore, 
I  shall  desire  you  all  to  hold  you  contented  with  my  sim- 
plicity, and  also  I  command  all  my  servants  to  go  as  humbly, 
without  any  other  sumptuous  apparel  than  they  be  customably 
used,  and  that  is  comely  and  decent  to  wear.  For  I  do  assure 
you,  I  do  intend  to  come  to  York  upon  Sunday  at  night,  and 
lodge  there  in  the  dean's  house,  and  upon  Monday  to  be  stalled ; 
and  there  to  make  a  dinner  for  you  of  the  close,  and  for  other 
worshipful  gentlemen  that  shall  chance  to  come  to  me  at  that 
time  ;  and  the  next  day  to  dine  with  the  mayor,  and  so  return 
home  again  to  Cawood  that  night,  and  thus  to  finish  the  same, 
whereby  I  may  at  all  times  resort  to  York  Minster  without 
other  scrupulosity  or  offence  to  any  of  you.' 

This  day  could  not  be  unknown  to  all  the  country,  but  that 
some  must  needs  have  knowledge  thereof,  whereby  that  notice 
was  given  unto  the  gentlemen  of  the  country,  and  they  being 
thereof  aswell  advertised  as  abbots,  priors,  and  others,  of  the  day 
of  this  solemnization,  sent  in  such  provision  of  dainty  victuals 
that  it  is  almost  incredible ;  whereof  I  omit  to  declare  unto 
you  the  certainty  thereof.  As  of  great  and  fat  beeves,  muttons, 
wildfowl,  and  venison,  both  red  and  fallow,  and  divers  other 
dainty  meats,  such  as  the  time  of  the  year  did  serve,  sufficient 
to  furnish  a  great  and  a  sumptuous  feast,  all  which  things  were 
unknown  to  my  lord :  forasmuch  as  he  being  prevented  and 
disappointed  of  his  reasonable  purposed  intent,  because  he  was 
arrested,  as  ye  shall  hear  hereafter;  so  that  the  most  part  of  this 
provision  was  sent  to  York  that  same  day  that  he  was  arrested, 
and  the  next  day  following ;  for  his  arrest  was  kept  as  close  and 


1 5  2  %f\t  3life  o! 

secret  from  the  country  as  it  could  be,  because  they  doubted  the 
people,  which  had  him  in  great  love  and  estimation  for  his  ac- 
customed charity  and  liberality  used  daily  among  them,  with 
familiar  gesture  and  countenance,  which  be  the  very  means  to 
allure  the  love  and  hearts  of  the  people  in  the  north  parts. 

Or  ever  I  wade  any  further  in  this  matter,  I  do  intend  to 
declare  unto  you  what  chanced  him  before  this  his  last  trouble 
at  Cawood,  as  a  sign  or  token  given  by  God  what  should  fol- 
low of  his  end,  or  of  trouble  which  did  shortly  ensue,  the  se- 
quel whereof  was  of  no  man  then  present  either  premeditate 
or  imagined.  Therefore,  forasmuch  as  it  is  a  notable  thing  to  be 
considered,  I  will  (God  willing)  declare  it  as  truly  as  it  chanced 
according  to  my  simple  remembrance,  at  the  which  I  myself 
was  present. 

My  lord's  accustomed  enemies,  in  the  court  about  the  king, 
had  now  my  lord  in  more  doubt  than  they  had  before  his 
fall,  considering  the  continual  favour  that  the  king  bare  him, 
thought  that  at  length  the  king  might  call  him  home  again ; 
and  if  he  so  did,  they  supposed  that  he  would  rather  imagine 
against  them  than  to  remit  or  forget  their  cruelty,  which 
they  most  unjustly  imagined  against  him.  Wherefore  they 
compassed  in  their  heads  that  they  would  either  by  some  means 
dispatch  him  by  some  sinister  accusation  of  treason,  or  to  bring 
him  into  the  king's  high  indignation  by  some  other  ways. 
This  was  their  daily  imagination  and  study,  having  as  many 
spials,  and  as  many  eyes  to  attend  upon  his  doings  as  the  poets 
feign  Argus  to  have ;  so  that  he  could  neither  work  nor  do 
any  thing,  but  that  his  enemies  had  knowledge  thereof  shortly 
after.  Now  at  the  last,  they  espied  a  time  wherein  they  caught 
an  occasion  to  bring  their  purpose  to  pass,  thinking  thereby  to 
have  of  him  a  great  advantage  ;  for  the  matter  being  once  dis- 
closed unto  the  king,  in  such  a  vehemency  as  they  purposed, 
they  thought  the  king  would  be  moved  against  him  with  great 
displeasure.   And  that  by  them  executed  and  done,  the  king, 


€KxUnul  WolQt^  153 

upon  their  information,  thought  it  good  that  he  should  come 
up  to  stand  his  trial ;  which  they  liked  nothing  at  all ;  not- 
withstanding he  was  sent  for  after  this  sort.  First,  they  devised 
that  he  should  come  up  upon  arrest  in  ward,  which  they 
knew  right  well  would  so  sore  grieve  him  that  he  might  be 
the  weaker  to  come  into  the  king's  presence  to  make  answer. 
Wherefore  they  sent  Sir  Walter  Walshe,  knight,  one  of  the 
gentlemen  of  the  king's  privy  chamber,  down  into  the  country 
unto  the  Earl  of  Northumberland  (who  was  brought  up  in  my 
lord's  house),  and  they  twain  being  in  commission  jointly  to  ar- 
rest my  lord  of  hault  treason.  This  conclusion  fully  resolved, 
they  caused  Master  Walshe  to  prepare  himself  to  this  journey 
with  this  commission,  and  certain  instructions  annexed  to  the 
same ;  who  made  him  ready  to  ride,  and  took  his  horse  at  the 
court  gate  about  one  of  the  clock  at  noon,  upon  All-hallown 
day,  towards  the  north.  Now  am  I  come  to  the  place  where 
I  will  declare  the  thing  that  I  promised  you  before  of  a  certain 
token  of  my  lord's  troubles ;  which  was  this. 

My  lord  sitting  at  dinner  upon  All-hallown  day,  in  Cawood 
Castle,  having  at  his  board's  end  divers  of  his  most  worthiest 
chaplains,  sitting  at  dinner  to  keep  him  company,  for  lack  of 
strangers,  ye  shall  understand,  that  my  lord's  great  cross  of  sil- 
ver accustomably  stood  in  the  corner,  at  the  table's  end,  lean- 
ing against  the  tappet  or  hanging  of  the  chamber.  And  when 
the  table's  end  was  taken  up,  and  a  convenient  time  for  them 
to  arise  ;  in  arising  from  the  table,  one  Doctor  Augustine,  phy- 
sician, being  a  Venetian  born,  having  a  boistous  gown  of  black 
velvet  upon  him,  as  he  would  have  come  out  at  the  table's  end, 
his  gown  overthrew  the  cross  that  stood  there  in  the  corner, 
and  the  cross  railing  down  along  the  tappet,  it  chanced  to  fall 
upon  Doctor  Bonner's  head,  who  stood  among  others  by  the 
tappet,  making  of  curtsy  to  my  lord,  and  with  one  of  the  points 
of  the  cross  razed  his  head  a  little,  that  the  blood  ran  down. 
The  company  standing  there  were  greatly  astonied  with  the 


154  Cfjeilifeof 

chance.  My  lord  sitting  in  his  chair,  looking  upon  them,  per- 
ceiving the  chance,  demanded  of  me  being  next  him,  what  the 
matter  meant  of  their  sudden  abashment.  I  showed  him  how 
the  cross  fell  upon  Doctor  Bonner's  head.  *  Hath  it,'  quoth  he, 
*  drawn  any  blood  ? '  *  Yea,  forsooth,  my  lord,'  quoth  I,  '  as  it 
seemeth  me.'  With  that  he  cast  down  his  head,  looking  very 
soberly  upon  me  a  good  while  without  any  word  speaking ;  at 
the  last  quoth  he  (shaking  of  his  head),  *  malum  omen  ; '  and 
therewith  said  grace,  and  rose  from  the  table,  and  went  into 
his  bedchamber,  there  lamenting,  making  his  prayers.  Now 
mark  the  signification,  how  my  lord  expounded  this  matter 
unto  me  afterward  at  Pomfret  Abbey.  First,  ye  shall  under- 
stand, that  the  cross,  which  belonged  to  the  dignity  of  York, 
he  understood  to  be  himself;  and  by  Augustine,  he  understood 
that  overthrew  the  cross,  to  be  he  that  should  accuse  him,  by 
means  whereof  he  should  be  overthrown.  The  falling  upon 
Master  Bonner's  head,  who  was  master  of  my  lord's  faculties 
and  spiritual  jurisdictions,  which  was  damnified  by  the  over- 
throwing of  the  cross  by  the  physician,  and  by  the  drawing  of 
blood  betokened  death,  which  shortly  after  came  to  pass;  about 
the  very  same  time  of  the  day  of  this  mischance.  Master  Walshe 
took  his  horse  at  the  court  gate,  as  nigh  as  it  could  be  judged. 
And  thus  my  lord  took  it  for  a  very  sign  or  token  of  that  which 
after  ensued,  if  the  circumstance  be  equally  considered  and  not- 
ed, although  no  man  was  there  present  at  that  time  that  had 
any  knowledge  of  Master  Walshe's  coming  down,  or  what 
should  follow.  Wherefore,  as  it  was  supposed,  that  God  showed 
him  more  secret  knowledge  of  his  latter  days  and  end  of  his 
trouble  than  all  men  supposed;  which  appeared  right  well  by 
divers  talks  that  he  had  with  me,  at  divers  times,  of  his  last  end. 
And  now  that  I  have  declared  unto  you  the  effect  of  this  pro- 
digy and  sign,  I  will  return  again  to  my  matter. 

The  time  drawing  nigh  of  his  stallation ;  sitting  at  dinner, 
upon  the  Friday  next  before  Monday  on  the  which  he  in- 


€dixUml  WolQt^  155 

tended  to  be  stalled  at  York,  the  Earl  of  Northumberland  and 
Master  Walshe,  with  a  great  company  of  gentlemen,  as  well 
of  the  earl's  servants  as  of  the  country,  which  he  had  gathered 
together  to  accompany  him  in  the  king's  name,  not  knowing 
to  what  purpose  or  what  intent,  came  into  the  hall  at  Cawood, 
the  officers  sitting  at  dinner,  and  my  lord  not  fully  dined,  but 
being  at  his  fruits,  nothing  knowing  of  the  earl's  being  in  his 
hall.  The  first  thing  that  the  earl  did,  after  he  came  into  the 
castle,  commanded  the  porter  to  deliver  him  the  keys  of  the 
gates,  who  would  in  no  wise  deliver  him  the  keys,  although 
he  were  very  roughly  commanded,  in  the  king's  name,  to  de- 
liver them  to  one  of  the  earl's  servants.  Saying  unto  the  earl, 
'  Sir,  ye  do  intend  to  deliver  them  to  one  of  your  servants  to 
keep  them  and  the  gates,  and  to  plant  another  in  my  room ; 
I  know  no  cause  why  ye  should  so  do,  and  this  I  assure  you 
that  you  have  no  one  servant,  but  that  I  am  as  able  to  keep 
them  as  he,  to  what  purpose  soever  it  be :  and  also,  the  keys 
were  delivered  me  by  my  lord  my  master,  with  a  charge  both 
by  oath  and  by  other  precepts  and  commandments :  therefore 
I  beseech  your  lordship  to  pardon  me,  though  I  refuse  your 
commandment.  For  whatsoever  ye  shall  command  me  to  do 
that  belongeth  to  my  office,  I  shall  do  it  with  a  right  good  will 
as  justly  as  any  other  of  your  servants.'  With  that  quoth  the 
gentlemen  there  present  unto  the  earl,  hearing  him  speak  so 
stoutly  like  a  man,  and  with  so  good  reason :  *  Sir,'  quoth  they, 
*  he  is  a  good  fellow,  and  speaketh  like  a  faithful  servant  unto 
his  master ;  and  like  an  honest  man :  therefore  give  him  your 
charge,  and  let  him  keep  still  the  gates ;  who,  we  doubt  not, 
will  be  obedient  to  your  lordship's  commandment.'  'Well, 
then,'  quoth  the  earl,  'hold  him  a  book,'  and  commanded  him 
to  lay  his  hand  upon  the  book,  whereat  the  porter  made  some 
doubt,  but  being  persuaded  by  the  gentlemen  there  present,  was 
contented,  and  laid  his  hand  upon  the  book,  to  whom,  quoth  the 
earl,  'Thou  shalt  swear,  to  keep  well  and  truly  these  gates  to 


156  %fit^ifto( 

the  king  our  sovereign  lord's  use,  and  to  do  all  such  things  as  we 
shall  command  thee  in  the  king's  name,  being  his  Highness's 
commissioners,  and  as  it  shall  seem  to  us  at  all  times  good,  as 
long  as  we  shall  be  here  in  this  castle;  and  that  ye  shall  not  let 
in  or  out  at  these  gates,  but  such  as  ye  shall  be  commanded  by 
us, from  time  to  time; '  and  upon  this  oath  he  received  the  keys 
at  the  earl's  and  Master  Walshe's  hands. 

Of  all  these  doings  knew  my  lord  nothing  ;  for  they  stopped 
the  stairs  that  went  up  into  my  lord's  chamber  where  he  sat, 
so  that  no  man  could  pass  up  again  that  was  come  down.  At 
the  last  one  of  my  lord's  servants  chanced  to  look  down  into 
the  hall  at  a  loop  that  was  upon  the  stairs,  and  returned  to  my 
lord,  and  showed  him  that  my  Lord  of  Northumberland  was 
in  the  hall ;  whereat  my  lord  marvelled,  and  would  not  believe 
him  at  the  first;  but  commanded  a  gentleman,  being  his  gen- 
tleman usher,  to  go  down  and  bring  him  perfect  word.  Who 
going  down  the  stairs,  looking  down  at  the  loop,  where  he 
saw  the  earl,  who  then  returned  to  my  lord,  and  showed  him 
that  it  was  very  he.  'Then,'  quoth  my  lord,  '  I  am  sorry  that 
we  have  dined,  for  I  fear  that  our  officers  be  not  stored  of  any 
plenty  of  good  fish,  to  make  him  such  honourable  cheer  as  to 
his  estate  is  convenient,  notwithstanding  he  shall  have  such 
as  we  have,  with  a  right  good  will  and  loving  heart.  Let  the 
table  be  standing  still,  and  we  will  go  down  and  meet  him, 
and  bring  him  up  ;  and  then  he  shall  see  how  far  forth  we  be 
at  our  dinner.'  With  that  he  put  the  table  from  him,  and  rose 
up  ;  going  down  he  encountered  the  earl  upon  the  midst  of 
the  stairs,  coming  up,  with  all  his  men  about  him.  And  as 
soon  as  my  lord  espied  the  earl,  he  put  ofi^his  cap,  and  said  to 
him,  'My  lord,  ye  be  most  heartily  welcome;'  and  therewith 
they  embraced  each  other.  *  Although,  my  lord,'  quoth  he, 
*  that  I  have  often  desired,  and  wished  in  my  heart  to  see  you 
in  my  house,  yet  if  ye  had  loved  me  as  I  do  you,  ye  would 
have  sent  me  word  before  of  your  coming,  to  the  intent  that 


Cattitnall^olfie^  157 

I  might  have  received  you  according  to  your  honour  and  mine. 
Notwithstanding,  ye  shall  have  such  cheer  as  I  am  able  to 
make  w^ith  you,  v^^ith  a  right  good  will ;  trusting  that  ye  will 
accept  the  same  of  me  as  of  your  very  old  and  loving  friend, 
hoping  hereafter  to  see  you  often,  when  I  shall  be  more  able 
and  better  provided  to  receive  you  with  better  fare,'  And 
then  my  lord  took  the  Earl  of  Northumberland  by  the  hand, 
and  led  him  up  into  the  chamber  ;  whom  followed  all  the 
earl's  servants  ;  where  the  table  stood  in  the  state  that  my  lord 
left  it  when  he  rose,  saying  unto  the  earl,  '  Sir,  now  ye  may 
perceive  how  far  forth  we  are  at  our  dinner.'  Then  my  lord 
led  the  earl  to  the  fire,  saying,  <  My  lord,  ye  shall  go  into  my 
bedchamber,  where  is  a  good  fire  made  for  you,  and  there 
you  may  shift  your  apparel  until  your  chamber  be  made  ready. 
Therefore  let  your  male  be  brought  up :  and  or  ever  I  go,  I 
pray  you  give  me  leave  to  take  these  gentlemen,  your  servants, 
by  the  hands.'  And  when  he  had  taken  them  all  by  the  hands, 
he  returned  to  the  earl,  and  said,  *  Ah,  my  lord,  I  perceive 
well  that  ye  have  observed  my  old  precepts  and  instructions 
which  I  gave  you,  when  you  were  abiding  with  me  in  your 
youth,  which  was,  to  cherish  your  father's  old  servants,  whereof 
I  see  here  present  with  you  a  great  number.  Surely,  my  lord, 
ye  do  therein  very  well  and  nobly,  and  like  a  wise  gentleman. 
For  these  be  they  that  will  not  only  serve  and  love  you,  but 
they  will  also  live  and  die  with  you,  and  be  true  and  faithful 
servants  to  you,  and  glad  to  see  you  prosper  in  honour  ;  the 
which  I  beseech  God  to  send  you,  with  long  life.'  This  said, 
he  took  the  earl  by  the  hand,  and  led  him  into  his  bedchamber. 
And  they  being  there  all  alone,  save  only  I,  that  kept  the  door, 
according  to  my  duty,  being  gentleman  usher ;  these  two  lords 
standing  at  a  window  by  the  chimney,  in  my  lord's  bedchamber, 
the  earl  trembling  said,  with  a  very  faint  and  soft  voice,  unto 
my  lord,  laying  his  hand  upon  his  arm,  *  My  lord,  I  arrest  you 
of  high  treason.'    With  which  words  my  lord  was  marvel- 


158  CJeilifeof 

lously  astonied,  standing  both  still  a  long  space  without  any 
further  words.  But  at  the  last,  quoth  my  lord,  *  What  moveth 
you,  or  by  what  authority  do  you  this  ? '  *  Forsooth,  my  lord,' 
quoth  the  earl,  •  I  have  a  commission  to  warrant  me  and  my 
doings.'  'Where  is  your  commission?' quoth  my  lord;  'let  me 
see  it,'  '  Nay,  sir,  that  you  may  not,'  quoth  the  earl.  *  Well, 
then,'  quoth  my  lord,  '  I  will  not  obey  your  arrest :  for  there 
hath  been  between  some  of  your  predecessors  and  mine  great 
contention  and  debate  grown  upon  an  ancient  grudge,  which 
may  succeed  in  you,  with  like  inconvenience,  as  it  hath  done 
heretofore ;  therefore,  unless  I  see  your  authority  and  commis- 
sion, I  will  not  obey  you.'  Even  as  they  were  debating  this 
matter  between  them  in  the  chamber,  so  busily  was  Master 
Walshe  arresting  of  Doctor  Augustine,  the  physician,  at  the 
door  within  the  portal,  whom  I  heard  say  unto  him,  '  Go  in, 
thou  traitor,  or  I  shall  make  thee.'  And  with  that,  I  opened 
the  portal  door,  and  the  same  being  opened.  Master  Walshe 
thrust  Doctor  Augustine  in  before  him  with  violence.  These 
matters  on  both  the  sides  astonished  me  very  sore,  musing  what 
all  this  should  mean  :  until  at  the  last.  Master  Walshe,  being 
entered  the  chamber,  began  to  pluck  off  his  hood,  the  which 
he  had  made  him  with  a  coat  of  the  same  cloth,  of  cotton,  to 
the  intent  he  would  not  be  known.  And  after  he  had  plucked 
it  off,  he  kneeled  down  to  my  lord,  to  whom  my  lord  spake 
first,  commanding  him  to  stand  up,  saying  thus  :  'Sir,  here  my 
Lord  of  Northumberland  hath  arrested  me  of  treason,  but  by 
what  authority  or  commission  he  showeth  me  not;  but  saith 
he  hath  one.  If  ye  be  privy  thereto,  or  be  joined  with  him 
therein,  I  pray  you  show  me.'  *  Indeed,  my  lord,'  quoth  Mas- 
ter Walshe, '  if  it  please  your  Grace,  it  is  true  that  he  hath  one.' 
'  Well,  then,'  said  my  lord,  '  I  pray  you  let  me  see  it.'  '  Sir, 
I  beseech  your  Grace  hold  us  excused,'  quoth  Master  Walshe, 
*  there  is  annexed  unto  our  commission  a  schedule  with  cer- 
tain instructions  which  ye  may  in  no  wise  be  privy  unto.' 


Cartitnall^olfie^  159 

*  Why,'  quoth  my  lord,  *  be  your  instructions  such  that  I  may 
not  see  them  ?  Peradventure,  if  I  might  be  privy  to  them,  I 
could  the  better  help  you  to  perform  them.  It  is  not  unknown 
unto  you  both,  I  am  assured,  but  I  have  been  privy  and  of 
counsel  in  as  weighty  matters  as  this  is,  for  I  doubt  not,  for  my 
part,  but  I  shall  prove  and  clear  myself  to  be  a  true  man,  against 
the  expectation  of  all  my  cruel  enemies.  I  have  an  under- 
standing whereupon  all  this  matter  groweth.  Well,  there  is  no 
more  to  do.  I  trow,  gentleman,  ye  be  one  of  the  king's  privy 
chamber  ;  your  name,  I  suppose,  is  Walshe ;  I  am  content  to 
yield  unto  you,  but  not  to  my  Lord  of  Northumberland,  with- 
out I  see  his  commission.  And  also  you  are  a  sufficient  com- 
missioner yourself  in  that  behalf,  inasmuch  as  ye  be  one  of  the 
king's  privy  chamber ;  for  the  worst  person  there  is  a  sufficient 
warrant  to  arrest  the  greatest  peer  of  this  realm,  by  the  king's 
only  commandment,  without  any  commission.  Therefore, 
I  am  ready  to  be  ordered  and  disposed  at  your  will,  put  there- 
fore the  king's  commission  and  your  authority  in  execution, 
a  God's  name,  and  spare  not,  and  I  will  obey  the  king's  will 
and  pleasure.  For  I  fear  more  the  cruelty  of  my  unmerciful 
enemies  than  I  do  my  truth  and  allegiance ;  wherein,  I  take 
God  to  witness,  I  never  offended  the  king's  majesty  in  word 
or  deed  ;  and  therein  I  dare  stand  face  to  face  with  any  man 
alive,  having  indifferency,  without  partiality.' 

Then  came  my  Lord  of  Northumberland  unto  me,  standing 
at  the  portal  door,  and  commanded  me  to  avoid  the  chamber  : 
and  being  loth  to  depart  from  my  master,  I  stood  still,  and 
would  not  remove ;  to  whom  he  spake  again,  and  said,  'There 
is  no  remedy,  ye  must  needs  depart.'  With  that  I  looked  upon 
my  lord,  as  who  sayeth.  Shall  I  go  ?  upon  whom  my  lord  looked 
very  heavily,  and  shook  at  me  his  head.  Perceiving  by  his  coun- 
tenance it  booted  me  not  to  abide,  and  so  I  departed  the  cham- 
ber, and  went  into  the  next  chamber,  where  abode  many  gen- 
tlemen of  my  fellows,  and  other,  to  learn  of  me  some  news  of 


i6o  %fit%ikoi 

the  matter  within  ;  to  whom  I  made  report  what  I  saw  and 
heard  ;  which  was  to  them  great  heaviness  to  hear. 

Then  the  earl  called  divers  gentlemen  into  the  chamber, 
which  were  for  the  most  part  of  his  own  servants ;  and  after 
the  earl  and  Master  Walshe  had  taken  the  keys  of  all  my  lord's 
coffers  from  him,  they  gave  the  charge  and  custody  of  my  lord's 
person  unto  these  gentlemen.  They  departed,  and  went  about 
the  house  to  set  all  things  in  order  that  night  against  the  next 
morning,  intending  then  to  depart  from  thence  with  my  lord, 
being  Saturday;  the  which  they  deferred  until  Sunday,  because 
all  things  could  not  be  brought  to  pass  as  they  would  have  it. 
They  went  busily  about  to  convey  Dr.  Augustine  away  to  Lon- 
donward,  with  as  much  speed  as  they  could,  sending  with  him 
divers  honest  persons  to  conduct  him,  who  was  tied  under  the 
horse's  belly.  And  this  done,  when  it  was  night,  the  commis- 
sioners assigned  two  grooms  of  my  lord's  to  attend  upon  him 
in  his  chamber  that  night,  where  they  lay ;  and  the  most  part 
of  the  rest  of  the  earl's  gentlemen  and  servants  watched  in  the 
next  chamber  and  about  the  house  continually  until  the  mor- 
row. And  the  porter  kept  the  gates,  so  that  no  man  could  go  in 
nor  out  until  the  next  morning.  At  which  time  my  lord  rose 
up,  supposing  that  he  should  have  departed  that  day,  howbeit 
he  was  kept  close  secretly  in  his  chamber,  expecting  continu- 
ally his  departure  from  thence.  Then  the  earl  sent  for  me  into 
his  own  chamber,  and  being  there  he  commanded  me  to  go  in 
to  my  lord,  and  there  to  give  attendance  upon  him,  and  charged 
me  upon  an  oath  that  I  should  observe  certain  articles.  And 
going  away  from  him,  toward  my  lord,  I  met  with  Master 
Walshe  in  the  court,  who  called  me  unto  him,  and  led  me  into 
his  chamber,  and  there  showed  me  that  the  king's  highness 
bare  towards  me  his  princely  favour,  for  my  diligent  and  true 
service  that  I  daily  ministered  towards  my  lord  and  master. 
*  Wherefore,'  quoth  he, '  the  king's  pleasure  is,  that  ye  shall  be 
about  your  master  as  most  chiefest  person,  in  whom  his  highness 


Cartiinal  3^olse^  i6i 

putteth  great  confidence  and  assured  trust ;  whose  pleasure  is, 
therefore,that  ye  shall  be  sworn  unto  his  majesty  to  observe  cer- 
tain articles,  in  writing,  the  which  I  would  deliver  you.'  '  Sir,' 
quoth  I,  *  my  Lord  of  Northumberland  hath  already  sworn  me 
to  divers  articles.'  '  Yea,'  quoth  he,  'but  my  lord  could  not  de- 
liver you  the  articles  in  writing,  as  I  am  commanded  specially 
to  do.  Therefore,  I  deliver  you  this  bill  with  these  articles,  the 
which  ye  shall  be  sworn  to  fulfil.'  *  Sir,'  then  quoth  I,  *  I  pray 
you  to  give  me  leave  to  peruse  them,  or  ever  I  be  sworn,  to  see 
if  I  be  able  to  perform  them.'  *  With  a  right  good  will,'  quoth 
he.  And  when  I  had  perused  them,  and  understood  that  they 
were  but  reasonable  and  tolerable,  I  answered,  that  I  was  con- 
tented to  obey  the  king's  pleasure,  and  to  be  sworn  to  the  per- 
formance of  them.  And  so  he  gave  me  a  new  oath  ;  and  then 
I  resorted  to  my  lord,  where  he  was  in  his  chamber  sitting  in 
a  chair,  the  tables  being  covered  for  him  ready  to  go  to  dinner. 
But  as  soon  as  he  perceived  me  coming  in,  he  fell  into  such  a 
woful  lamentation,  with  such  rueful  terms  and  watery  eyes,  that 
it  would  have  caused  the  flintiest  heart  to  have  relented  and 
burst  for  sorrow.  And  as  I  and  other  could,  we  comforted  him; 
but  it  would  not  be.  '  For,'  quoth  he,  *  now  that  I  see  this 
gentleman,  meaning  me,  how  faithful,  how  diligent,  and  how 
painful  since  the  beginning  of  my  trouble  he  hath  served  me, 
abandoning  his  own  country,  his  wife,  and  children  ;  his  house 
and  family,  his  rest  and  quietness,  only  to  serve  me,  and  remem- 
bering with  myself  that  I  have  nothing  to  reward  him  for  his 
honest  merits,  grieveth  me  not  a  little.  And  also  the  sight  of 
him  putteth  me  in  remembrance  of  the  number  of  my  faithful 
servants,  that  I  have  here  remaining  with  me  in  this  house; 
whom  I  did  intend  to  have  preferred  and  advanced,  to  the  best 
of  my  power,  from  time  to  time,  as  occasionshould  serve.  But 
now,  alas  !  I  am  prevented,  and  have  nothing  left  me  to  reward 
them  ;  for  all  is  deprived  me,  and  I  am  left  here  their  desolate 
and  miserable  master,  bare  and  wretched,  without  help  or  sue- 


i62  CJeilifeof 

cour,  but  of  God  alone.  Howbeit,'  quoth  he  to  me,  calHng  me 
by  my  name,  *  I  am  a  true  man,  and  therefore  ye  shall  never 
receive  shame  of  me  for  your  service.'  I,  perceiving  his  heavi- 
ness and  lamentable  w^ords,  said  thus  unto  him :  *  My  lord,  I 
mistrust  nothing  your  truth:  and  for  the  same  I  dare  and  will 
be  svi^orn  before  the  king's  person  and  his  honourable  council.' 
Wherefore,  kneeling  upon  my  knees  before  him,  said :  '  My 
lord,  comfort  yourself,  and  be  of  good  cheer.  The  malice  of 
your  uncharitable  enemies,  nor  their  untruth,  shall  never  prevail 
against  your  truth  and  faithfulness,  for  I  doubt  not  but  coming 
once  to  your  answer,  my  hope  is  such  that  ye  shall  so  acquit 
and  clear  yourself  of  all  their  surmised  and  feigned  accusations, 
that  it  shall  be  to  the  king's  contentation,  and  much  to  your 
advancement  and  restitution  of  your  former  dignity  and  estate.' 
'Yea,'  quoth  he, '  if  I  may  come  to  mine  answer,  I  fear  no  man 
alive;  for  he  liveth  not  upon  the  earth  that  shall  look  upon  this 
face  [pointing  to  his  own  face]  shall  be  able  to  accuse  me  of  any 
untruth  ;  and  that  knoweth  mine  enemies  full  well,  which  will 
be  an  occasion  that  I  shall  not  have  indifferent  justice,  but  they 
will  rather  seek  some  other  sinister  ways  to  destroy  me.'  *  Sir,' 
quoth  I,  '  ye  need  not  therein  doubt,  the  king  being  so  much 
your  good  lord,  as  he  hath  always  showed  himself  to  be,  in  all 
your  troubles.'  With  that  came  up  my  lord's  meat ;  and  so  we 
left  our  communication  ;  I  gave  him  water,  and  sat  him  down 
to  dinner ;  with  whom  sat  divers  of  the  earl's  gentlemen,  not- 
withstanding my  lord  did  eat  very  little  meat,  but  would  many 
times  burst  out  suddenly  in  tears,  with  the  most  sorrowfullest 
words  that  hath  been  heard  of  any  woful  creature.  And  at  the 
last  he  fetched  a  great  sigh  from  the  bottom  of  his  heart,  saying 
these  words  of  Scripture,  *  O  const antia  Martirum  laudabilts  !  O 
charitas  inextinguibilis  I  O  pacientia  invincibiUs,  quae  licet  inter 
pressures  persequentium  visa  sitdespicabilis,  invenieturin  laudem  et 
gloriam  ac  honorem  in  tempore  tribulationis.'  And  thus  passed  he 
forth  his  dinner  in  great  lamentation  and  heaviness,  who  was 


Cartiinall^olse^  163 

more  fed  and  moistened  with  sorrow  and  tears  than  with  either 
pleasant  meats  or  delicate  drinks.  I  suppose  there  was  not  a 
dry  eye  among  all  the  gentlemen  sitting  at  the  table  with  him. 
And  when  the  table  was  taken  up,  it  was  showed  my  lord  that 
he  could  not  remove  that  night,  who  expected  none  other  all 
that  day ;  quoth  he,  '  Even  when  it  shall  seem  my  Lord  of 
Northumberland  good.' 

The  next  day,  being  Sunday,  my  lord  prepared  himself  to 
ride  when  he  should  be  commanded ;  and  after  dinner,  by 
that  time  that  the  earl  had  appointed  all  things  in  good  order 
within  the  castle,  it  drew  fast  to  night.  There  was  assigned 
to  attend  upon  him  five  of  us,  his  own  servants,  and  no  more; 
that  was  to  say,  I,  one  chaplain,  his  barber,  and  two  grooms 
of  his  chamber,  and  when  he  should  go  down  the  stairs  out  of 
the  great  chamber,  my  lord  demanded  for  the  rest  of  his  serv- 
ants ;  the  earl  answered,  that  they  were  not  far ;  the  which  he 
had  enclosed  within  the  chapel,  because  they  should  not  dis- 
quiet his  departure.  *  Sir,  I  pray  you,'  quoth  my  lord,  *  let  me 
see  them  or  ever  I  depart,  or  else  I  will  never  go  out  of  this 
house.'  *  Alack,  my  lord,'  quoth  the  earl,  *  they  should  trouble 
you;  therefore  I  beseech  you  to  content  yourself.'  'Well,' 
quoth  my  lord,  *  then  will  I  not  depart  out  of  this  house,  but 
I  will  see  them,  and  take  my  leave  of  them  in  this  chamber.' 
And  his  servants  being  enclosed  in  the  chapel,  having  under- 
standing of  my  lord's  departing  away,  and  that  they  should  not 
see  him  before  his  departure,  began  to  grudge,  and  to  make 
such  a  rueful  noise,  that  the  commissioners  doubted  some  tu- 
mult or  inconvenience  to  arise  by  reason  thereof,  thought  it 
good  to  let  them  pass  out  to  my  lord,  and  that  done  they  came 
to  him  into  the  great  chamber  where  he  was,  and  there  they 
kneeled  down  before  him  ;  among  whom  was  not  one  dry  eye, 
but  pitifully  lamented  their  master's  fall  and  trouble.  To  whom 
my  lord  gave  comfortable  words  and  worthy  praises  for  their 
diligent  faithfulness  and  honest  truth  towards  him,  assuring 


1 64  %\)t  3Life  of 

them,  that  what  chances  soever  should  happen  unto  him,  that 
he  was  a  true  man  and  a  just  to  his  sovereign  lord.  And  thus 
with  a  lamentable  manner,  shaking  each  of  them  by  the  hands, 
was  fain  to  depart,  the  night  drew  so  fast  upon  them. 

My  lord's  mule  and  our  horses  were  ready  brought  into  the 
inner  court ;  where  we  mounted,  and  coming  to  the  gate  which 
was  shut,  the  porter  opened  the  same  to  let  us  pass,  where  was 
ready  attending  a  great  number  of  gentlemen  with  their  serv- 
ants, such  as  the  earl  assigned  to  conduct  and  attend  upon  his 
person  that  night  to  Pomfret,  and  so  forth,  as  ye  shall  hear  here- 
after. But  to  tell  you  of  the  number  of  people  of  the  country 
that  were  assembled  at  the  gates  which  lamented  his  departing 
was  wondrous,  which  was  about  the  number  of  three  thousand 
persons ;  who  at  the  opening  of  the  gates,  after  they  had  a  sight 
of  his  person,  cried  all  with  a  loud  voice, '  God  save  your  Grace ! 
God  save  your  Grace !  The  foul  evil  take  all  them  that  hath 
thus  taken  you  from  us !  we  pray  God  that  a  very  vengeance  may 
light  upon  them ! '  Thus  they  ran  crying  after  him  through 
the  town  of  Cawood,  they  loved  him  so  well;  for  surely  they 
had  a  great  loss  of  him,  both  the  poor  and  the  rich:  for  the  poor 
had  of  him  great  relief;  and  the  rich  lacked  his  counsel  in  any 
business  that  they  had  to  do,  which  caused  him  to  have  such 
love  among  them  in  the  country. 

Then  rode  he  with  his  conductors  towards  Pomfret;  and  by 
the  way  as  he  rode,  he  asked  me  if  I  had  any  familiar  acquaint- 
ance among  these  gentlemen  that  rode  with  him.  'Yea,  sir,' 
said  I,  *  what  is  your  pleasure ? '  '  Marry,'  quoth  he,  *  I  have  left 
a  thing  behind  me  which  I  would  fain  have.'  *  Sir,'  said  I,  *  if 
I  knew  what  it  were,  I  would  send  for  it  out  of  hand.'  '  Then,' 
said  he,  'let  the  messenger  go  to  my  Lord  of  Northumberland, 
and  desire  him  to  send  me  the  red  buckram  bag,  lying  in  my 
almonry  in  my  chamber,  sealed  with  my  seal.'  With  that  I  de- 
parted from  him,  and  went  straight  unto  one  Sir  Roger  Las- 
celles,  knight,  who  was  then  steward  to  the  Earl  of  Northum- 


Cartimal  3^ols!e?  165 

berland  being  amongthe  rout  of  horsemen  as  oneof  the  chiefest 
rulers,  whom  I  desired  to  send  some  of  his  servants  back  unto 
the  earl  his  master  for  that  purpose ;  the  which  granted  most 
gently  my  request,  and  sent  incontinent  one  of  his  servants  unto 
my  lord  to  Cawood  for  the  said  bag;  who  did  so  honestly  his 
message,  that  he  brought  the  same  to  my  lord  immediately 
after  he  was  in  his  chamber  within  the  Abbey  of  Pomfret; 
where  he  lay  all  night.  In  which  bag  was  no  other  thing  en- 
closed but  three  shirts  of  hair,  which  he  delivered  to  the  chap- 
lain, his  ghostly  father,  very  secretly. 

Furthermore,  as  we  rode  towards  Pomfret,  my  lord  de- 
manded of  me,  whither  they  would  lead  him  that  night.  '  For- 
sooth, sir,'  quoth  I,  *  but  to  Pomfret.'  '  Alas,'  quoth  he,  *  shall 
I  go  to  the  castle,  and  lie  there,  and  die  like  a  beast  ? '  '  Sir, 
I  can  tell  you  no  more  what  they  do  intend ;  but  I  will  in- 
quire here  among  these  gentlemen  of  a  special  friend  of  mine 
who  is  chief  of  all  their  counsel.' 

With  that  I  repaired  unto  the  said  Sir  Roger  Lascelles, 
knight,  desiring  him  most  earnestly  that  he  would  vouchsafe  to 
show  me,  whither  my  lord  should  go  to  be  lodged  that  night ; 
who  answered  me  again  that  my  lord  should  be  lodged  within 
the  Abbey  of  Pomfret,  and  in  none  other  place ;  and  so  I  re- 
ported to  my  lord,  who  was  glad  thereof;  so  that  within  night 
we  came  to  Pomfret  Abbey,  and  there  lodged. 

And  the  earl  remained  still  all  that  night  in  Cawood  Castle, 
to  see  the  dispatch  of  the  household,  and  to  establish  all  the 
stuff  in  some  surety  within  the  same. 

The  next  day  they  removed  with  my  lord  towards  Don- 
caster,  desiring  that  he  might  come  thither  by  night,  because 
the  people  followed  him  weeping  and  lamenting,  and  so  they 
did  nevertheless,  although  he  came  in  by  torchlight,  crying, 
'  God  save  your  Grace,  God  save  your  Grace,  my  good  Lord 
Cardinal,'  running  before  him  with  candles  in  their  hands,  who 
caused  me  therefore  to  ride  hard  by  his  mule  to  shadow  him 


1 66  CJeilifeof 

from  the  people,  and  yet  they  perceived  him,  cursing  his  ene- 
mies. And  thus  they  brought  him  to  the  Blackfriars,  within 
the  which  they  lodged  him  that  night. 

And  the  next  day  we  removed  to  Sheffield  Park,  where  the 
Earl  of  Shrewsbury  lay  within  the  lodge,  and  all  the  way  thith- 
erward the  people  cried  and  lamented  as  they  did  in  all  places 
as  we  rode  before.  And  when  we  came  to  the  park  of  Sheffield, 
nigh  to  the  lodge,  my  Lord  of  Shrewsbury,  with  my  lady  his 
wife,  a  train  of  gentlewomen,  and  all  my  lord's  gentlemen  and 
yeomen,  standing  without  the  gates  of  the  lodge  to  attend  my 
lord's  coming,  to  receive  him  with  much  honour ;  whom  the 
earl  embraced,  saying  these  words  :  *My  lord,'  quoth  he,  'your 
Grace  is  most  heartily  welcome  unto  me,  and  glad  to  see  you 
in  my  poor  lodge,  the  which  I  have  often  desired ;  and  much 
more  gladder,  if  you  had  come  after  another  sort.'  *  Ah,  my 
gentle  Lord  of  Shrewsbury,'  quoth  my  lord,  *  I  heartily  thank 
you :  and  although  I  have  no  cause  to  rejoice,  yet,  as  a  sorrow- 
ful heart  may  joy,  I  rejoice,  my  chance  which  is  so  good  to 
come  unto  the  hands  and  custody  of  so  noble  a  person,  whose 
approved  honour  and  wisdom  hath  been  always  right  well 
known  to  all  noble  estates.  And,  sir,  howsoever  my  ungentle 
accusers  hath  used  their  accusations  against  me,  yet  I  assure 
you,  and  so  before  your  lordship,  and  all  the  world,  I  do  pro- 
test, that  my  demeanour  and  proceedings  hath  been  just  and 
loyal  towards  my  sovereign  and  liege  lord;  of  whose  behaviour 
and  doings  your  lordship  hath  had  good  experience ;  and  even 
according  to  my  truth  and  faithfulness  so  I  beseech  God  to 
help  me  in  this  my  calamity.'  *I  doubt  nothing  of  your  truth,' 
quoth  the  earl,  '  therefore,  my  lord,  I  beseech  you,  be  of  good 
cheer,  and  fear  not ;  for  I  have  received  letters  from  the  king 
of  his  own  hand  in  your  favour  and  entertaining,  the  which  ye 
shall  see.  Sir,  I  am  nothing  sorry,  but  that  I  have  not  where- 
with worthily  to  receive  you,  and  to  entertain  you,  according 
to  your  honour  and  my  good  will ;  but  such  as  I  have,  ye  are 


Cartimal  5l^ol0ep  167 

most  heartily  welcome  thereto,  desiring  you  to  accept  my  good 
will  accordingly,  for  I  will  not  receive  you  as  a  prisoner,  but 
as  my  good  lord,  and  the  king's  true  faithful  subject ;  and  here 
is  my  wife  come  to  salute  you.'  Whom  my  lord  kissed  bare- 
headed, and  all  her  gentlewomen;  and  took  my  lord's  servants 
by  the  hands,  as  well  gentlemen  and  yeomen  as  other.  Then 
these  two  lords  went  arm  and  arm  into  the  lodge,  conducting 
my  lord  into  a  fair  chamber  at  the  end  of  a  goodly  gallery, 
within  a  new  tower,  where  my  lord  was  lodged.  There  was 
also  in  the  midst  of  the  same  gallery  a  traverse  of  sarsenet 
drawn ;  so  that  the  one  part  was  preserved  for  my  lord,  and 
the  other  part  for  the  earl. 

Then  departed  all  the  great  number  of  gentlemen  and  other 
that  conducted  my  lord  to  the  Earl  of  Shrewsbury's.  And  my 
lord  being  there,  continued  there  eighteen  days  after ;  upon 
whom  the  earl  appointed  divers  gentlemen  of  his  servants  to 
serve  my  lord,  forasmuch  as  he  had  a  small  number  of  servants 
there  to  serve ;  and  also  to  see  that  he  lacked  nothing  that  he 
would  desire,  being  served  in  his  own  chamber  at  dinner  and 
supper,  as  honourably,  and  with  as  many  dainty  dishes,  as  he 
had  most  commonly  in  his  own  house,  being  at  liberty.  And 
once  every  day  the  earl  would  resort  unto  him,  and  sit  with 
him  communing  upon  a  bench  in  a  great  window  in  the  gal- 
lery. And  though  the  earl  would  right  heartily  comfort  him, 
yet  would  he  lament  so  piteously,  that  it  would  make  the  earl 
very  sorry  and  heavy  for  his  grief.  *  Sir,'  said  he,  '  I  have,  and 
daily  do  receive  letters  from  the  king,  commanding  me  to  en- 
tertain you  as  one  that  he  loveth,  and  highly  favoureth ;  where- 
by I  perceive  ye  do  lament  without  any  great  cause,  much  more 
than  ye  need  to  do.  And  though  ye  be  accused,  as  I  think  in 
good  faith  unjustly,  yet  the  king  can  do  no  less  but  put  you  to 
your  trial,  the  which  is  more  for  the  satisfying  of  some  per- 
sons than  for  any  mistrust  that  he  hath  in  your  doings.'  *  Alas! ' 
quoth  my  lord  to  the  earl,  'is  it  not  a  piteous  case  that  any  man 


1 68  CJjEilifeof 

should  so  wrongfully  accuse  me  unto  the  king's  person,  and 
not  to  come  to  mine  answer  before  his  Majesty?  For  I  am  well 
assured,  my  lord,  that  there  is  no  man  alive  or  dead  that  look- 
eth  in  this  face  of  mine,  who  is  able  to  accuse  me  of  any  dis- 
loyalty towards  the  king.  Oh  !  how  much  it  grieveth  me  that 
the  king  should  have  any  suspicious  opinion  in  me,  to  think 
that  I  would  be  false  or  conspire  any  evil  to  his  royal  person ; 
who  may  well  consider  that  I  have  no  assured  friend  in  all  the 
world  in  whom  I  put  my  trust  but  only  in  his  Grace ;  for  if 
I  should  go  about  to  betray  my  sovereign  lord  and  prince,  in 
whom  is  all  my  trust  and  confidence  before  all  other  persons, 
all  men  might  justly  think  and  report,  that  I  lacked  not  only 
grace,  but  also  both  wit  and  discretion.  Nay,  nay,  my  lord,  I 
would  rather  adventure  to  shed  my  heart  blood  in  his  defence, 
as  I  am  bound  to  do,  by  mine  allegiance  and  also  for  the  safe- 
guard of  myself,  than  to  imagine  his  destruction  ;  for  he  is  my 
staff  that  supporteth  me,  and  the  wall  that  defendeth  me  against 
my  malignant  enemies,  and  all  other ;  who  knoweth  best  my 
truth  before  all  men,  and  hath  had  thereof  best  and  longest  ex- 
perience. Therefore,  to  conclude,  it  is  not  to  be  thought  that 
ever  I  would  go  about  or  intend  maliciously  or  traitorously  to 
travail  or  wish  any  prejudice  or  damage  to  his  royal  person  or 
imperial  dignity ;  but,  as  I  said,  defend  it  with  the  shedding  of 
my  heart  blood,  and  procure  all  men  so  to  do,  and  it  were  but 
only  for  the  defence  of  mine  own  person  and  simple  estate,  the 
which  mine  enemies  think  I  do  so  much  esteem :  having  none 
other  refuge  to  flee  to  for  defence  or  succour,  in  all  adversity, 
but  under  the  shadow  of  his  Majesty's  wing.  Alas  !  my  lord, 
I  was  in  a  good  estate  now,  and  in  case  of  a  quiet  living,  right 
well  content  therewith ;  but  the  enemy  that  never  sleepeth, 
butstudieth  and  continually  imagineth,  both  sleeping  and  wak- 
ing, my  utter  destruction,  perceiving  the  contentation  of  my 
mind,  doubted  that  their  malicious  and  cruel  dealings  would  at 
length  grow  to  their  shame  and  rebuke,  goeth  about  therefore 


//// 


Cartiinal  l^olfiie?  169 

to  prevent  the  same  with  shedding  of  my  blood.  But  from 
God,  that  knoweththe  secrets  of  their  hearts  and  of  all  others, 
it  cannot  be  hid,  nor  yet  unrewarded,  when  he  shall  see  oppor- 
tunity. For,  my  good  lord,  if  you  will  show  yourself  so  much 
my  good  friend  as  to  require  the  king's  majesty,  by  your  let- 
ters, that  my  accusers  may  come  before  my  face  in  his  presence, 
and  there  that  I  may  make  answer,  I  doubt  not  but  ye  shall  see 
me  acquit  myself  of  all  their  malicious  accusations,  and  utterly 
confound  them ;  for  they  shall  never  be  able  to  prove,  by  any 
due  probations,  that  ever  I  offended  the  king  in  will,  thought, 
and  deed.  Therefore  I  desire  you  and  most  heartily  require 
your  good  lordship,  to  be  a  mean  for  me,  that  I  may  answer 
unto  my  accusers  before  the  king's  majesty.  The  case  is  his; 
and  if  their  accusations  should  be  true,  then  should  it  touch  no 
man  but  him  most  earnestly ;  wherefore  it  were  most  conven- 
ient that  he  should  hear  it  himself  in  proper  person.  But  I 
fear  me,  that  they  do  intend  rather  to  dispatch  me  than  I  should 
come  before  him  in  his  presence ;  for  they  be  well  assured,  and 
very  certain,  that  my  truth  should  vanquish  their  untruth  and 
surmised  accusations ;  which  is  the  special  cause  that  moveth 
me  so  earnestly  to  desire  to  make  mine  answer  before  the  king's 
majesty.  The  loss  of  goods,  the  slander  of  my  name,  nor  yet 
all  my  trouble  grieveth  me  nothing  so  much  as  the  loss  of  the 
king's  favour,  and  that  he  should  have  in  me  such  an  opinion, 
without  desert,  of  untruth,  that  hath  with  such  travail  and  pain 
served  his  Highness  so  justly,  so  painfully,  and  with  so  faithful 
an  heart,  to  his  profit  and  honour  at  all  times.  And  also  again, 
the  truth  of  my  doings,  against  their  unjust  accusations  proved 
most  just  and  loyal,  should  be  much  to  my  honesty,  and  do  me 
more  good  than  to  attain  great  treasure ;  as  I  doubt  not  but  it 
will,  if  they  might  be  indifferently  heard.  Now,  my  good  lord, 
weigh  ye  my  reasonable  request,  and  let  charity  and  truth  move 
your  noble  heart  with  pity,  to  help  me  in  all  this  my  truth, 
wherein  ye  shall  take  no  manner  of  slander  or  rebuke,  by  the 


grace  of  God.'  *  Well,  then,'  quoth  my  Lord  of  Shrewsbury, 

*  I  will  write  to  the  king's  majesty  in  your  behalf,  declaring  to 
him  by  my  letters  how  grievously  ye  lament  his  displeasure  and 
indignation ;  and  what  request  ye  make  for  the  trial  of  your 
truth  towards  his  Highness.'  Thus  after  these  communications, 
and  divers  others,  as  between  them  daily  was  accustomed,  they 
departed  asunder. 

Where  my  lord  continued  the  space  after  of  a  fortnight, 
having  goodly  and  honourable  entertainment ;  whom  the  earl 
would  often  require  him  to  kill  a  doe  or  two  there  in  the  park, 
who  always  refused  all  manner  of  earthly  pleasures  and  disports 
either  in  hunting  or  in  other  games,  but  applied  his  prayers  con- 
tinually very  devoutly ;  so  that  it  came  to  pass  at  a  certain  sea- 
son sitting  at  dinner  in  his  own  chamber,  having  at  his  board's 
end  that  same  day,  as  he  divers  times  had  to  accompany  him, 
a  mess  of  the  earl's  gentlemen  and  chaplains,  and  eating  of 
roasted  wardens  at  the  end  of  his  dinner,  before  whom  I  stood  at 
the  table,  dressing  of  those  wardens  for  him :  beholding  of  him, 
perceived  his  colour  often  to  change  and  alter  divers  times, 
whereby  I  judged  him  not  to  be  in  health.  Which  caused  me 
to  lean  over  the  table,  saying  unto  him  softly,  *  Sir,  me  seems 
your  Grace  is  not  well  at  ease.'    He  answered  again  and  said, 

*  Forsooth,  no  more  I  am  ;  for  I  am,'  quoth  he,  '  suddenly  taken 
about  my  stomach,  with  a  thing  that  lieth  overthwart  my  breast 
as  cold  as  a  whetstone;  the  which  is  but  wind;  therefore  I  pray 
you  take  up  the  cloth,  and  make  ye  a  short  dinner,  and  resort 
shortly  again  unto  me.'  And  after  that  the  table  was  taken  up, 
I  went  and  sat  the  waiters  to  dinner,  without  in  the  gallery, 
and  resorted  again  to  my  lord,  where  I  found  him  still  sitting 
where  I  left  him,  very  evil  at  ease;  notwithstanding  he  was  in 
communication  with  the  gentlemen  sitting  at  the  board's  end. 
And  as  soon  as  I  was  entered  the  chamber,  he  desired  me  to  go 
down  to  the  apothecary,  and  to  inquire  of  him  whether  he  had 
anything  that  would  break  wind  upward;  and  according  to  his 


Cartitnal  Wolst^  1 7 1 

commandment  I  went  my  way  towards  the  apothecary.  And 
by  the  way  I  remembered  one  article  of  mine  oath  before  made 
unto  Master  Walshe,  which  caused  me  first  to  go  to  the  earl, 
and  showed  him  both  what  estate  he  was  in,  and  also  what  he 
desired  at  the  apothecary's  hand  for  his  relief.  With  that  the 
earl  caused  the  apothecary  to  be  called  incontinent  before  him ; 
of  whom  he  demanded  whether  he  had  anything  to  break  wind 
that  troubleth  one  in  his  breast ;  and  he  answered  that  he  had 
such  gear.  'Then,' quoth  the  earl, 'fetch  me  some  hither.'  The 
which  the  apothecary  brought  in  a  white  paper,  a  certain  white 
confection  unto  the  earl,  who  commanded  me  to  give  the  assay 
thereof  to  the  apothecary,  and  so  I  did  before  him.  And  then 
I  departed  therewith  bringing  it  to  my  lord,  before  whom  I 
took  also  the  assay  thereof,  and  delivered  the  same  to  my  lord, 
who  received  the  same  wholly  altogether  at  once.  And  imme- 
diately after  he  had  received  the  same,  surely  he  voided  exceed- 
ing much  wind  upward.  *Lo,'  quoth  he,  'now  ye  may  see  that 
it  was  but  wind  ;  but  by  the  means  of  this  receipt  I  am,  I  thank 
God,  well  eased : '  and  so  he  rose  from  the  table,  and  went  to 
his  prayers,  as  he  accustomably  did  after  dinner.  And  being  at 
his  prayers,  there  came  upon  him  such  a  laske,  that  it  caused 
him  to  go  to  his  stool ;  and  being  there  the  earl  sent  for  me, 
and  at  my  coming  he  said :  '  Forasmuch  as  I  have  always  per- 
ceived you  to  be  a  man,  in  whom  my  lord  your  master  hath 
great  affiance ;  and  for  my  experience,  knowing  you  to  be  an 
honest  man,'  with  many  more  words  of  commendation  than 
need  here  to  be  rehearsed,  said  :  '  It  is  so,  that  my  lord,  your 
lamentable  master,  hath  often  desired  me  to  write  to  the  king's 
majesty  that  he  might  come  unto  his  presence,  to  make  answer 
to  his  accusations  ;  and  even  so  have  I  done ;  for  this  day  have 
I  received  letters  from  his  Grace,  by  Sir  William  Kingston, 
knight,  whereby  I  do  perceive  that  the  king  hath  in  him  very 
good  opinion;  and  upon  my  often  request  he  hath  sent  for  him, 
by  the  said  Sir  William  Kingston,  to  come  up  to  answer,  ac- 


1 7  2  %f)t  Hift  of 

cording  to  his  own  desire :  who  is  in  his  chamber.  Wherefore 
now  is  the  time  come  that  my  lord  hath  often  desired  to  try 
himself  and  his  truth,  as  I  trust  much  to  his  honour  ;  and  I  put 
no  doubt  in  so  doing,  that  it  shall  be  for  him  the  best  journey 
that  ever  he  made  in  all  his  life.  Therefore  now  would  I  have 
you  to  play  the  part  of  a  wise  man,  to  break  first  this  matter 
unto  him  so  wittily,  and  in  such  sort,  that  he  might  take  it 
quietly  in  good  part:  for  he  is  ever  so  full  of  sorrow  and  dolour 
in  my  company,  that  I  fear  me  he  will  take  it  in  evil  part,  and 
then  he  doth  not  well :  for  I  assure  you,  and  so  show  him  that 
the  king  is  his  good  lord,  and  hath  given  me  the  most  worthy 
thanks  for  his  entertainment,  desiring  and  commanding  me  so 
to  continue,  not  doubting  but  that  he  will  right  nobly  acquit 
himself  towards  his  Highness.  Therefore,  go  your  ways  to 
him,  and  so  persuade  with  him  that  I  may  find  him  in  good 
quiet  at  my  coming,  for  I  will  not  tarry  long  after  you.'  *  Sir,' 
quoth  I,  *  I  shall,  if  it  please  your  lordship,  endeavour  me 
to  accomplish  your  commandment  to  the  best  of  my  power. 
But,  sir,  I  doubt  one  thing,  that  when  I  shall  name  Sir  William 
Kingston,  he  will  mistrust  that  all  is  not  well ;  because  he 
is  constable  of  the  Tower,  and  captain  of  the  guard,  having 
twenty-four  of  the  guard  to  attend  upon  him.'  *  Marry,  it  is 
truth,'  quoth  the  earl ;  'what  thereof,  though  he  be  constable 
of  the  Tower?  yet  he  is  the  most  meetest  man,  for  his  wisdom 
and  discretion,  to  be  sent  about  any  such  message.  And  for  the 
guard,  it  is  for  none  other  purpose  but  only  to  defend  him 
against  all  them  that  would  intend  him  any  evil,  either  in 
word  or  deed  ;  and  also  they  be  all,  or  for  the  most  part,  such 
of  his  old  servants  as  the  king  took  of  late  into  his  service,  to 
the  intent  that  they  should  wait  upon  him  most  justly,  and 
doth  know  best  how  to  serve  him.'  'Well,  sir,'  said  I,  'I  will 
do  what  I  can ; '  and  so  departed  toward  my  lord. 

And  at  my  repair  I  found  him  sitting  at  the  upper  end  of  the 
gallery,  upon  a  trussing  chest  of  his  own,  with  his  beads  and 


Cartiinal  Wolst^  1 7  3 

staff  in  his  hands.  And  espying  me  coming  from  the  earl,  he 
demanded  of  me  what  news.  '  Forsooth,  sir,'  quoth  I,  '  the 
best  news  that  ever  came  to  you ;  if  your  Grace  can  take  it  well.' 
*  I  pray  God  it  be,  what  is  it?'  quoth  he.  'Forsooth,  sir,'  quoth 
I,  *  my  Lord  of  Shrewsbury,  perceiving  by  your  often  commun- 
ication that  ye  were  always  desirous  to  come  before  the  king's 
majesty,  and  now  as  your  most  assured  friend,  hath  travailed 
so  with  his  letters  unto  the  king,  that  the  king  hath  sent  for 
you  by  Master  Kingston  and  twenty-four  of  the  guard,  to  con- 
duct you  to  his  Highness.'  '  Master  Kingston,'  quoth  he,  re- 
hearsing his  name  once  or  twice ;  and  with  that  clapped  his 
hand  on  his  thigh,  and  gave  a  great  sigh.  *  Sir,'  quoth  I,  *  if 
your  Grace  could  or  would  take  all  things  in  good  part,  it  should 
be  much  better  for  you.  Content  yourself,  for  God's  sake,  and 
think  that  God  and  your  friends  hath  wrought  for  you,  accord- 
ing to  your  own  desire.  Did  ye  not  always  wish  that  ye  might 
clear  yourself  before  the  king's  person  ?  now  that  God  and  your 
friends  hath  brought  your  desire  to  pass,  ye  will  not  take  it 
thankfully.  If  ye  consider  your  truth  and  loyalty  unto  our  sov- 
ereign lord,  against  the  which  your  enemies  cannot  prevail,  the 
king  being  your  good  lord,  as  he  is,  you  know  well,  that  the 
king  can  do  no  less  than  he  doth,  you  being  to  his  Highness 
accused  of  some  heinous  crime,  but  cause  you  to  be  brought  to 
your  trial, and  there  to  receive  according  to  your  demerits;  the 
which  his  Highness  trusteth,  and  saith  no  less,  but  that  you  shall 
prove  yourself  a  just  man  to  his  Majesty,  wherein  ye  have  more 
cause  to  rejoice  than  thus  to  lament,  or  mistrust  his  favourable 
justice.  For  I  assure  you,  your  enemies  be  more  in  doubt  and 
fear  of  you  than  you  of  them;  that  they  wish  that  thing,  that  I 
trust  they  shall  never  be  able  to  bring  to  pass  with  all  their  wits, 
the  king,  as  I  said  before,  being  your  indifferent  and  singular 
good  lord  and  friend.  And  to  prove  that  he  is  so,  see  ye  not 
how  he  hath  sent  gentle  Master  Kingston  for  you,  with  such 
men  as  were  your  old  true  servants,  and  yet  be  as  far  as  it  be- 


174  %f\t^iftOf 

Cometh  them  to  be,  only  to  attend  upon  you,  for  the  want  of 
your  own  servants,  willing  also  Master  Kingston  to  reverence 
you  with  as  much  honour  as  was  due  to  you  in  your  high  es- 
tate ;  and  to  convey  you  by  such  easy  journeys  as  ye  shall  com- 
mand him  to  do;  and  that  ye  shall  have  all  your  desires  and 
commandments  by  the  way  in  everyplace,  to  your  Grace's  con- 
tentation  and  honour.  Wherefore,  sir,  I  humbly  beseech  your 
Grace,  to  imprint  all  these  just  persuasions  with  many  other 
imminent  occasions  in  your  discretion;  and  be  of  good  cheer, 
I  most  humbly  with  my  faithful  heart  require  your  Grace, 
wherewith  ye  shall  principally  comfort  yourself,  and  next  give 
all  your  friends  and  to  me  and  other  of  your  servants  good  hope 
of  your  good  speed.'  *  Well,  well,  then,'  quoth  he,  '  I  perceive 
more  than  ye  can  imagine,  or  do  know;  experience  of  old  hath 
taught  me.'  And  therewith  he  rose  up,  and  went  into  his  cham- 
ber, to  his  close  stool,  the  flux  troubled  him  so  sore  ;  and  when 
he  had  done  he  came  out  again;  and  immediately  my  Lord  of 
Shrewsbury  came  into  the  gallery  unto  him,  with  whom  my 
lord  met,  and  then,  they  both  sitting  down  upon  a  bench  in 
a  great  window,  the  earl  asked  him  how  he  did,  and  he  most 
lamentably,  as  he  was  accustomed,  answered,  thanking  him  for 
his  gentle  entertainment.  'Sir,'  quoth  the  earl,  *  if  ye  remem- 
ber ye  have  often  wished  in  my  company  to  make  answer  before 
the  king ;  and  I  as  desirous  to  help  your  request,  as  you  to  wish, 
bearing  towards  you  my  good  will,  have  written  especially  to 
the  king  in  your  behalf;  making  him  also  privy  of  your  lament- 
able sorrow,  that  ye  inwardly  receive  for  his  high  displeasure ; 
who  accepteth  all  things,  and  your  doings  therein,  as  friends 
be  accustomed  to  do  in  such  cases.  Wherefore  I  would  advise 
you  to  pluck  up  your  heart,  and  be  not  aghast  of  your  enemies, 
who  I  assure  you  have  you  in  more  doubt  than  ye  would  think, 
perceiving  that  the  king  is  fully  minded  to  have  the  hearing 
of  your  case  before  his  own  person.  Now,  sir,  if  ye  can  be  of 
good  cheer,  I  doubt  not  but  this  journey  which  ye  shall  take 


Cartitnal  3^ol5e?  17s 

towards  his  Highness  shall  be  much  to  your  advancement,  and 
an  overthrow  of  your  enemies.  The  king  hath  sent  for  you  by 
that  worshipful  knight  Master  Kingston,  and  with  him  twenty- 
four  of  your  old  servants,  who  be  now  of  the  guard,  to  defend 
you  against  your  unknown  enemies,  to  the  intent  that  ye  may 
safely  come  unto  his  Majesty.'  '  Sir,'  quoth  my  lord,  'as  I  sup- 
pose. Master  Kingston  is  constable  of  the  Tower?'  '  Yea,  what 
of  that  ? '  quoth  the  earl ; '  I  assure  you  he  is  only  appointed  by 
the  king  for  one  of  your  friends,  and  for  a  discreet  gentleman, 
as  most  worthy  to  take  upon  him  the  safe-conduct  of  your  per- 
son ;  for  without  fail  the  king  favoureth  you  much  more,  and 
beareth  towards  you  a  secret  special  favour,  far  otherwise  than 
ye  do  take  it.'  *  Well,  sir,'  quoth  my  lord,  *  as  God  will,  so  be 
it.  I  am  subject  to  fortune,  and  to  fortune  I  submit  myself, 
being  a  true  man,  ready  to  accept  such  ordinances  as  God  hath 
provided  for  me,  and  there  an  end  :  Sir,  I  pray  you,  where  is 
Master  Kingston  ? '  *  Marry,'  quoth  the  earl,  *  if  ye  will,  I  will 
sendforhim,whowouldmostgladlyseeyou.'  'I  prayyouthen,' 
quoth  my  lord,  '  send  for  him.'  At  whose  message  he  came 
incontinent,  and  as  soon  as  my  lord  espied  him  coming  into  the 
gallery,  he  made  haste  to  encounter  him.  Master  Kingston 
came  towards  him  with  much  reverence  ;  and  at  his  approach 
he  kneeled  down  and  saluted  him  on  the  king's  behalf;  whom 
my  lord,  bareheaded,  offered  to  take  up,  but  he  still  kneeled. 
*  Then,'  quoth  my  lord,  *  Master  Kingston,  I  pray  you  stand 
up,  and  leave  your  kneeling  unto  a  very  wretch  replete  with 
misery,  not  worthy  to  be  esteemed,  but  for  a  vile  abject,  utterly 
cast  away,  without  desert;  and  therefore,  good  Master  King- 
ston, stand  up,  or  I  will  myself  kneel  down  by  you.'  With  that 
Master  Kingston  stood  up,  saying,  with  humble  reverence,  *  Sir, 
the  king's  majesty  hath  him  commended  unto  you.'  *  I  thank 
his  Highness,'  quoth  my  lord, '  I  trust  he  be  in  health,  and  merry, 
the  which  I  beseech  God  long  continue.'  'Yea,  without  doubt,' 
quoth  Master  Kingston  :  *  and  so  hath  he  commanded  me  first 


176  CJeiltfeof 

to  say  unto  you,  that  you  should  assure  yourself  that  he  beareth 
you  as  much  good  will  and  favour  as  ever  he  did  ;  and  willeth 
you  to  be  of  good  cheer.  And  where  report  hath  been  made 
unto  him  that  ye  should  commit  against  his  royal  majesty  cer- 
tain heinous  crimes,  which  he  thinketh  to  be  untrue,  yet  for 
the  ministration  of  justice,  in  such  cases  requisite,  and  to  avoid 
all  suspect  partiality  he  can  do  no  less  at  the  least  than  to  send 
for  you  to  your  trial,  mistrusting  nothing  your  truth  and  wis- 
dom, but  that  ye  shall  be  able  to  acquit  yourself  against  all 
complaints  and  accusations  exhibited  against  you;  and  to  take 
your  journey  towards  him  at  your  own  pleasure,  commanding 
me  to  be  attendant  upon  you  with  ministration  of  due  rever- 
ence, and  to  see  your  person  preserved  from  all  damage  and  in- 
conveniences that  might  ensue  ;  and  to  elect  all  such  your  old 
servants,  now  his,  to  serve  you  by  the  way,  who  have  most  ex- 
perience of  your  diet.  Therefore,  sir,  I  beseech  your  Grace  to 
be  of  good  cheer ;  and  when  it  shall  be  your  good  pleasure 
to  take  your  journey,  I  shall  give  mine  attendance.'  '  Master 
Kingston,'  quoth  my  lord,  *  I  thank  you  for  your  good  news  : 
and,  sir,  hereof  assure  yourself,  that  if  I  were  as  able  and  as 
lusty  as  I  have  been  but  of  late,  I  would  not  fail  to  ride  with 
you  in  post:  but, sir, I  am  diseased  with  a  flux  that  maketh  me 
very  weak.  But,  Master  Kingston,  all  these  comfortable  words 
which  ye  have  spoken  be  but  for  a  purpose  to  bring  me  in  a 
fool's  paradise :  I  know  what  is  provided  for  me.  Notwith- 
standing, I  thank  you  for  your  goodwill  and  pains  taken  about 
me;  and  I  shall  with  all  speed  make  me  ready  to  ride  with  you 
to-morrow.'  And  thus  they  fell  into  other  communication, 
both  the  earl  and  Master  Kingston,  with  my  lord  ;  who  com- 
manded me  to  foresee  and  provide  that  all  things  might  be 
made  ready  to  depart  the  morrow  after.  I  caused  all  things  to 
be  trussed  up  and  made  in  a  readiness  as  fast  as  they  could  con- 
veniently. 

When  night  came  that  we  should  go  to  bed,  my  lord  waxed 


CwcUnnl  Wolst^  177 

very  sick  through  his  new  disease,  the  which  caused  him  con- 
tinually from  time  to  time  to  go  to  the  stool  all  that  night; 
insomuch  from  the  time  that  his  disease  took  him,  unto  the 
next  day,  he  had  above  fifty  stools,  so  that  he  was  that  day  very 
weak.  The  matter  that  he  voided  was  wondrous  black,  the 
which  physicians  call  choler  adustine ;  and  when  he  perceived 
it,  he  said  to  me,  *  If  I  have  not  some  help  shortly,  it  will  cost 
me  my  life.'  With  that  I  caused  one  Doctor  Nicholas,  a  phy- 
sician, being  with  the  earl,  to  look  upon  the  gross  matter  that 
he  voided  ;  upon  sight  whereof  he  determined  how  he  should 
not  live  past  four  or  five  days ;  yet  notwithstanding  he  would 
have  ridden  with  Master  Kingston  that  same  day,  if  the  Earl 
of  Shrewsbury  had  not  been.  Therefore,  in  consideration  of  his 
infirmity,  they  caused  him  to  tarry  all  that  day. 

And  the  next  day  he  took  his  journey  with  Master  Kingston 
and  the  guard.  And  as  soon  as  they  espied  their  old  master,  in 
such  a  lamentable  estate,  lamented  him  with  weeping  eyes. 
Whom  my  lord  took  by  the  hands,  and  divers  times,  by  the 
way,  as  he  rode,  he  would  talk  with  them,  sometime  with  one, 
and  sometime  with  another;  at  night  he  was  lodged  at  a  house 
of  the  Earl  of  Shrewsbury's,  called  Hardwick  Hall,'  very  evil 
at  ease.  The  next  day  he  rode  to  Nottingham,  and  there  lodged 
that  night,  more  sicker,  and  the  next  day  we  rode  to  Leicester 
Abbey ;  and  by  the  way  he  waxed  so  sick  that  he  was  divers 
times  likely  to  have  fallen  from  his  mule  ;  and  being  night  or 
we  came  to  the  Abbey  aforesaid,  where  at  his  coming  in  at  the 
gates,  the  abbot  of  the  place  with  all  his  convent  met  him  with 
the  light  of  many  torches  ;  whom  they  right  honourably  re- 
ceived with  great  reverence.  To  whom  my  lord  said:  '  Father 
Abbot,  I  am  come  hither  to  leave  my  bones  among  you ; ' 
whom  they  brought  on  his  mule  to  the  stairs  foot  of  his  cham- 
ber, and  there  lighted,  and  Master  Kingston  then  took  him  by 

'  This  was  Hardwick-upon-Line  in  Nottinghamshire,  not  Hardwick  in 
Derbyshire. 


1 78  'Cf)e3lifeof 

the  arm,  and  led  him  up  the  stairs;  who  told  me  afterwards 
that  he  never  carried  so  heavy  a  burden  in  all  his  life.  And  as 
soon  as  he  was  in  his  chamber,  he  went  incontinent  to  his  bed, 
very  sick.  This  was  upon  Saturday  at  night ;  and  there  he  con- 
tinued sicker  and  sicker. 

Upon  Monday  in  the  morning,  as  I  stood  by  his  bedside, 
about  eight  of  the  clock,  the  windows  being  close  shut,  having 
wax  lights  burning  upon  the  cupboard,  I  beheld  him,  as  he 
seemed,  drawing  fast  to  his  end.  He  perceived  my  shadow  upon 
the  wall  by  his  bedside,  asked  who  was  there  ?  '  Sir,  I  am  here,' 
quoth  I.  *  How  do  you  } '  quoth  he  to  me.  *  Very  well,  sir,* 
quoth  I,  *  if  I  might  see  your  Grace  well.'  '  What  is  it  of  the 
clock  ? '  said  he  to  me.  '  Forsooth,  sir,'  said  I,  *  it  is  past  eight 
of  the  clock  in  the  morning.'  '  Eight  of  the  clock  ? '  quoth  he, 
'  that  cannot  be,'  rehearsing  divers  times,  *  eight  of  the  clock ; 
eight  of  the  clock ;  nay,  nay,'  quoth  he  at  the  last,  *  it  cannot  be 
eight  of  the  clock  :  for  by  eight  of  the  clock  ye  shall  lose  your 
master :  for  my  time  draweth  near  that  I  must  depart  out  of 
this  world.'  With  that  Master  Doctor  Palmes,  a  worshipful 
gentleman,  being  his  chaplain  and  ghostly  father,  standing  by, 
bade  me  secretly  demand  of  him  if  he  would  be  shriven,  and 
to  be  in  a  readiness  towards  God,  whatsoever  should  chance. 
At  whose  desire  I  asked  him  that  question.  *  What  have  you 
to  do,'  quoth  he, '  to  ask  me  any  such  question  ? '  and  began  to 
be  very  angry  with  me  for  my  presumption  ;  until  at  the  last 
Master  Doctor  took  my  part,  and  talked  with  him  in  Latin, 
and  so  pacified  him. 

And  after  dinner.  Master  Kingston  sent  for  me  into  his  cham- 
ber, and  at  my  being  there,  said  to  me,  *  So  it  is,  that  the  king 
hath  sent  me  letters  by  this  gentleman.  Master  Vincent,  one  of 
your  old  companions,  who  hath  been  of  late  in  trouble  in  the 
Tower  of  London,  for  money  that  my  lord  should  have  at  his 
last  departing  from  him,  which  now  cannot  be  found.  Where- 
fore the  king,  at  this  gentleman's  request,  for  the  declaration  of 


Cardinal  Wolst^  179 

his  truth,  hath  sent  him  hither  with  his  Grace's  letters  directed 
unto  me,  commanding  me  by  virtue  thereof  to  examine  my 
lord  in  that  behalf,  and  to  have  your  counsel  herein,  how  it 
may  be  done,  that  he  may  take  it  well  and  in  good  part.  This 
is  the  chief  cause  of  my  sending  for  you  ;  wherefore  I  pray  you 
what  is  your  best  counsel  to  use  in  this  matter  for  the  true  ac- 
quittal of  this  gentleman  ? '  '  Sir,'  quoth  I,  *  as  touching  that 
matter,  my  simple  advice  shall  be  this,  that  your  own  person 
shall  resort  unto  him  and  visit  him,  and  in  communication 
break  the  matter  unto  him  ;  and  if  he  will  not  tell  the  truth, 
there  be  that  can  satisfy  the  king's  pleasure  therein ;  and  in  any 
wise  speak  nothing  of  my  fellow  Vincent.  And  I  would  not 
advise  you  to  tract  the  time  with  him ;  for  he  is  very  sick,  and 
I  fear  me  he  will  not  live  past  to-morrow  in  the  morning.' 
Then  went  Master  Kingston  unto  him ;  and  asked  first  how  he 
did,  and  so  forth  proceeded  in  communication,  wherein  Master 
Kingston  demanded  of  him  the  said  money,  saying,  *  that  my 
Lord  of  Northumberland  hath  found  a  book  at  Cawood  that 
reporteth  how  ye  had  but  late  fifteen  hundred  pounds  in  ready 
money,  and  one  penny  thereof  will  not  be  found,  who  hath 
made  the  king  privy  by  his  letters  thereof.  Wherefore  the  king 
hath  written  unto  me,  to  demand  it  of  you  if  ye  do  know  where 
it  is  become ;  for  it  were  pity  that  it  should  be  embezzled  from 
you  both.  Therefore  I  shall  require  you,  in  the  king's  name,  to 
tell  me  the  truth  herein,  to  the  intent  that  I  may  make  just  re- 
port unto  his  Majesty  what  answer  ye  make  therein.'  With  that 
my  lord  paused  a  while  and  said :  *  Ah,  good  Lord!  how  much 
doth  it  grieve  me  that  the  king  should  think  in  me  such  deceit, 
wherein  I  should  deceive  him  of  any  one  penny  that  I  have. 
Rather  than  I  would.  Master  Kingston,  embezzle,  or  deceive 
him  of  a  mite,  I  would  it  were  molt,  and  put  in  my  mouth; ' 
which  words  he  spake  twice  or  thrice  very  vehemently.  '  I  have 
nothing,  nor  never  had,  God  being  my  judge,  that  I  esteemed, 
or  had  in  it  any  such  delight  or  pleasure,  but  that  I  took  it  for 


i8o  CfjeHifeof 

the  king's  goods,  having  but  the  bare  use  of  the  same  during 
my  life,  and  after  my  death  to  leave  it  to  the  king  ;  wherein  he 
hath  but  prevented  my  intent  and  purpose.  And  for  this  money 
that  ye  demand  of  me,  I  assure  you  it  is  none  of  mine;  for  I 
borrowed  it  of  divers  of  my  friends  to  bury  me,  and  to  bestow 
among  my  servants,  who  have  taken  great  pains  about  me,  like 
true  and  faithful  men.  Notwithstanding  if  it  be  his  pleasure  to 
take  this  money  from  me,  I  must  hold  me  therewith  content; 
yet  I  would  most  humbly  beseech  his  Majesty  to  see  them  sat- 
isfied, of  whom  I  borrowed  the  same  for  the  discharge  of  my 
conscience.'  *  Who  be  they  ? '  quoth  Master  Kingston.  'That 
shall  I  show  you,'  said  my  lord.  *  I  borrowed  two  hundred 
pounds  thereof  of  Sir  John  Allen  of  London ;  and  two  hun- 
dred pounds  of  Sir  Richard  Gresham ;  and  two  hundred  pounds 
of  the  Master  of  theSavoy ;  and  two  hundred  pounds  of  Doctor 
Hickden,  dean  of  my  college  in  Oxford ;  and  two  hundred 
pounds  of  the  treasurer  of  the  church  of  York  ;  and  two  hun- 
dred pounds  of  the  dean  of  York;  and  two  hundred  pounds  of 
Parson  Ellis  my  chaplain,  and  a  hundred  pounds  of  my  steward, 
whose  name  I  have  forgotten  ;  trusting  that  the  king  will  re- 
store them  again  their  money,  for  it  is  none  of  mine.'  '  Sir,' 
quoth  Master  Kingston,  *  there  is  no  doubt  in  the  king ;  ye 
need  not  to  mistrust  that,  but  when  the  king  shall  be  advertised 
thereof,  to  whom  I  shall  make  report  of  your  request,  that  his 
Grace  will  do  as  shall  become  him.  But,  sir,  I  pray  you,  where 
is  this  money  ? '  *  Master  Kingston,'  quoth  he, '  I  will  not  con- 
ceal it  from  the  king  ;  I  will  declare  it  to  you,  or  I  die,  by  the 
grace  of  God.  Take  a  little  patience  with  me,  I  pray  you.' 
•  Well,  sir,  then  I  will  trouble  you  no  more  at  this  time,  trust- 
ing that  ye  will  show  me  to-morrow.'  *  Yea,  that  I  will.  Mas- 
ter Kingston,  for  the  money  is  safe  enough,  and  in  an  honest 
man's  keeping  ;  who  will  not  keep  one  penny  from  the  king.' 
And  then  Master  Kingston  went  to  his  chamber  to  supper. 
Howbeit  my  lord  waxed  very  sick,  most  likeliest  to  die  that 


Cartiinal  Wolst^  1 8 1 

night,  and  often  swooned,  and  as  me  thought  drew  fast  towards 
his  end,  until  it  was  four  of  the  clock  in  the  morning,  at  which 
time  I  asked  him  how  he  did.  'Well,'  quoth  he,  *if  I  had  any 
meat;  I  pray  you  give  me  some.'  'Sir,  there  is  none  ready,' 
said  I.  'I  wis,  ye  be  the  more  to  blame, for  you  should  have 
always  some  meat  for  me  in  a  readiness,  to  eat  when  my  stomach 
serveth  me ;  therefore  I  pray  you  get  me  some ;  for  I  intend 
this  day,  God  willing,  to  make  me  strong,  to  the  intent  I  may 
occupy  myself  in  confession,  and  make  me  ready  to  God.' 
'Then,  sir,'  quoth  I, '  I  will  call  up  the  cook  to  provide  some 
meat  for  you ;  and  will  also,  if  it  be  your  pleasure,  call  for  Master 
Palmes,  that  ye  may  commune  with  him,  until  your  meat  be 
ready.'  'With  a  good  will,'  quoth  he.  And  therewith  I  went 
first,  and  called  up  the  cook,  commanding  him  to  prepare  some 
meat  for  my  lord ;  and  then  I  went  to  Master  Palmes  and  told 
him  what  case  my  lord  was  in ;  willing  him  to  rise,  and  to  re- 
sort to  him  with  speed.  And  then  I  went  to  Master  Kingston, 
and  gave  him  warning,  that,  as  I  thought,  he  would  not  live  ; 
advertising  him  that  if  he  had  anything  to  say  to  him  that  he 
should  make  haste,  for  he  was  in  great  danger.  '  In  good  faith,' 
quoth  Master  Kingston,  '  ye  be  to  blame :  for  ye  make  him 
believe  that  he  is  sicker,  and  in  more  danger  than  he  is.'  '  Well, 
sir,*  quoth  I, '  ye  shall  not  say  another  day  but  that  I  gave  you 
warning,  as  I  am  bound  to  do,  in  discharge  of  my  duty.  There- 
fore, I  pray  you,  whatso  end  shall  chance,  let  no  negligence 
be  ascribed  to  me  herein ;  for  I  assure  you  his  life  is  very  short. 
Do  therefore  now  as  you  think  best.'  Yet  nevertheless  he  rose, 
and  made  him  ready,  and  came  to  him.  After  he  had  eaten  of 
a  cullis  made  of  a  chicken,  a  spoonful  or  two ;  at  the  last  quoth 
he,  'Whereof  was  this  cullis  made?'  '  Forsooth,  sir,'  quoth  I, 
'of  a  chicken.'  'Why,'  quoth  he,  'it  is  fasting  day,  and  St. 
Andrew's  Eve.'  'What  though,  sir?'  quoth  Doctor  Palmes, 
'  ye  be  excused  by  reason  of  your  sickness.'  '  Yea,'  quoth  he, 
'  what  though  ?    I  will  eat  no  more.' 


1 82  CJeHifeof 

Then  was  he  in  confession  the  space  of  an  hour.  And  when 
he  had  ended  his  confession.  Master  Kingston  bade  him  good- 
morrow,  for  it  was  about  seven  of  the  clock  in  the  morning  ; 
and  asked  him  how  he  did.  *  Sir,'  quoth  he,  *  I  tarry  but  the 
will  and  pleasure  of  God,  to  render  unto  him  my  simple  soul 
into  his  divine  hands.'  *  Not  yet  so,  sir,'  quoth  Master  King- 
ston ;  *  with  the  grace  of  God,  ye  shall  live,  and  do  very  well, 
if  ye  will  be  of  good  cheer.'  '  Master  Kingston,  my  disease  is 
such  that  I  cannot  live;  I  have  had  some  experience  in  my 
disease,  and  thus  it  is:  I  have  a  flux  with  a  continual  fever; 
the  nature  whereof  is  this,  that  if  there  be  no  alteration  with 
me  of  the  same  within  eight  days,  then  must  either  ensue  ex- 
coriation of  the  entrails,  or  frenzy,  or  else  present  death ;  and 
the  best  thereof  is  death.  And,  as  I  suppose,  this  is  the  eighth 
day :  and  if  ye  see  in  me  no  alteration,  then  is  there  no  remedy, 
although  I  may  live  a  day  or  twain,  but  death,  which  is  the  best 
remedy  of  the  three.'  'Nay,  sir,  in  good  faith,'  quoth  Master 
Kingston,  'ye  be  in  such  dolour  and  pensiveness,  doubting  that 
thing  indeed  ye  need  not  to  fear,  which  maketh  you  much  worse 
than  ye  should  be.'  '  Well,  well.  Master  Kingston,'  quoth  he, 
*  I  see  the  matter  against  me  how  it  is  framed ;  but  if  I  had 
served  God  as  diligently  as  I  have  done  the  king,  he  would 
not  have  given  me  over  in  my  grey  hairs.  Howbeit  this  is  the 
just  reward  that  I  must  receive  for  my  worldly  diligence  and 
pains  that  I  have  had  to  do  him  service ;  only  to  satisfy  his  vain 
pleasure,  not  regarding  my  godly  duty.  Wherefore,  I  pray  you, 
with  all  my  heart,  to  have  me  most  humbly  commended  unto 
his  royal  majesty;  beseeching  him  in  my  behalf  to  call  to  his 
most  gracious  remembrance  all  matters  proceeding  between 
him  and  me  from  the  beginning  of  the  world  unto  this  day, 
and  the  progress  of  the  same:  and  most  chiefly  in  the  weighty 
matter  yet  depending  [meaning  the  matter  newly  began  between 
him  and  good  Queen  Katherine]  ;  then  shall  his  conscience 
declare,  whether  I  have  offended  him  or  no.  He  is  sure  a  prince 


Cartiinall^olsie?  183 

of  a  royal  courage,  and  hath  a  princely  heart;  and  rather  than 
he  will  either  miss  or  want  any  part  of  his  will  or  appetite,  he 
will  put  the  loss  of  one  half  of  his  realm  in  danger;  for  I  assure 
you  I  have  often  kneeled  before  him  in  his  privy  chamber  on 
my  knees,  the  space  of  an  hour  or  two,  to  persuade  him  from 
his  will  and  appetite :  but  I  could  never  bring  to  pass  to  dis- 
suade him  therefrom.  Therefore,  Master  Kingston,  if  it  chance 
hereafter  you  to  be  one  of  his  privy  council,  as  for  your  wisdom 
and  other  qualities  ye  be  meet  so  to  be,  I  warn  you  to  be  well 
advised  and  assured  what  matter  ye  put  in  his  head,  for  ye  shall 
never  put  it  out  again. 

*  And  say  furthermore,  that  I  request  his  Grace,  in  God's 
name,  that  he  have  a  vigilant  eye  to  depress  this  new  pernicious 
sect  of  the  Lutherans,  that  it  do  not  increase  within  his  domin- 
ions through  his  negligence,  in  such  a  sort,  as  that  he  shall  be 
fain  at  length  to  put  harness  upon  his  back  to  subdue  them  ;  as 
the  King  of  Bohemia  did,  who  had  good  game  to  see  his  rude 
commons,  then  infected  with  WicklifFe's  heresies,  to  spoil  and 
murder  the  spiritual  men  and  religious  persons  of  his  realm  ; 
the  which  fled  to  the  king  and  his  nobles  for  succour  against 
their  frantic  rage  ;  of  whom  they  could  get  no  help  of  defence 
or  refuge,  but  laughed  them  to  scorn,  having  good  game  at 
their  spoil  and  consumption,  not  regarding  their  duties  nor 
their  own  defence.  And  when  these  erroneous  heretics  had 
subdued  all  the  clergy  and  spiritual  persons,  taking  the  spoil  of 
their  riches,  both  of  churches,  monasteries,  and  all  other  spir- 
itual things,  having  no  more  to  spoil,  they  caught  such  a  cour- 
age of  their  former  liberty  that  then  they  disdained  their  prince 
and  sovereign  lord,  with  all  other  noble  personages,  and  the 
head  governors  of  the  country,  and  began  to  fall  in  hand  with 
the  temporal  lords,  to  slay  and  spoil  them,  without  pity  or 
mercy,  most  cruelly.  Insomuch  that  the  king  and  other  his 
nobles  were  constrained  to  put  harness  upon  their  backs,  to 
resist  the  ungodly  powers  of  those  traitorous  heretics,  and  to 


1 84  CJ)e  iLtft  of 

defend  their  lives  and  liberties,  who  pitched  a  field  royal  against 
them ;  in  which  field  these  traitors  so  stoutly  encountered,  that 
the  part  of  them  were  so  cruel  and  vehement,  that  in  fine  they 
were  victors,  and  slew  the  king,  the  lords,  and  all  the  gentle- 
men of  the  realm,  leaving  not  one  person  that  bare  the  name 
or  port  of  a  gentleman  alive,  or  of  any  person  that  had  any  rule 
or  authority  in  the  commonweal.  By  means  of  which  slaugh- 
ter they  have  lived  ever  since  in  great  misery  and  poverty,  with- 
out a  head  or  governor,  but  lived  all  in  common  like  wild 
beasts,  abhorred  of  all  Christian  nations.  Let  this  be  to  him  an 
evident  example  to  avoid  the  like  danger,  I  pray  you.  Good 
Master  Kingston,  there  is  no  trust  in  routs,  or  unlawful  assem- 
blies of  the  common  people ;  for  when  the  riotous  multitude 
be  assembled,  there  is  among  them  no  mercy  or  consideration 
of  their  bounden  duty ;  as  in  the  history  of  King  Richard  the 
Second,  one  of  his  noble  progenitors,  which  lived  in  that  same 
time  of  WicklifFe's  seditious  opinions.  Did  not  the  commons, 
I  pray  you,  rise  against  the  king  and  the  nobles  of  the  realm  of 
England  ?  whereof  some  they  apprehended,  whom  they  with- 
out mercy  or  justice  put  to  death.  And  did  they  not  fall  to 
spoiling  and  robbery,  to  the  intent  they  might  bring  all  things 
in  common ;  and  at  the  last,  without  discretion  or  reverence, 
spared  not  in  their  rage  to  take  the  king's  most  royal  person  out 
of  the  Tower  of  London,  and  carried  him  about  the  city  most 
presumptuously,  causing  him,  for  the  preservation  of  his  life, 
to  be  agreeable  to  their  lewd  proclamations  ?  Did  not  also  the 
traitorous  heretic.  Sir  John  Oldcastle,  pitch  a  field  against  King 
Henry  the  Fifth,  against  whom  the  king  was  constrained  to 
encounter  in  his  royal  person,  to  whom  God  gave  the  victory  ? 
Alas  !  Master  Kingston,  if  these  be  not  plain  precedents,  and 
sufficient  persuasions  to  admonish  a  prince  to  be  circumspect 
against  the  semblable  mischief;  and  if  he  be  so  negligent,  then 
will  God  strike  and  take  from  him  his  power,  and  diminish  his 
regality,  taking  from  him  his  prudent  counsellors  and  valiant 


Cartiinal  3^ol£ie^  185 

captains,  and  leave  us  in  our  own  hands  without  his  help  and 
aid;  and  then  will  ensue  mischief  upon  mischief,  inconvenience 
upon  inconvenience,  barrenness  and  scarcity  of  all  things  for 
lack  of  good  order  in  the  commonwealth,  to  the  utter  destruc- 
tion and  desolation  of  this  noble  realm,  from  which  mischiefs 
God  for  his  tender  mercy  defend  us. 

*  Master  Kingston,  farewell.  I  can  no  more,  but  wish  all 
things  to  have  good  success.  My  time  draweth  on  fast.  I  may 
not  tarry  with  you.  And  forget  not,  I  pray  you,  what  I  have 
said  and  charged  you  withal :  for  when  I  am  dead,  ye  shall  per- 
adventure  remember  my  words  much  better.'  And  even  with 
these  words  he  began  to  draw  his  speech  at  length,  and  his 
tongue  to  fail ;  his  eyes  being  set  in  his  head,  whose  sight  failed 
him.  Then  we  began  to  put  him  in  remembrance  of  Christ's 
passion  ;  and  sent  for  the  abbot  of  the  place  to  anneal  him,  who 
came  with  all  speed,  and  ministered  unto  him  all  the  service  to 
the  same  belonging ;  and  caused  also  the  guard  to  stand  by,  both 
to  hear  him  talk  before  his  death,  and  also  to  witness  of  the 
same;  and  incontinent  the  clock  struck  eight,  at  which  time  he 
gave  up  the  ghost,  and  thus  departed  he  this  present  life.  And 
calling  to  our  remembrance  his  words,  the  day  before,  how 
he  said  that  at  eight  of  the  clock  we  should  lose  our  master, 
one  of  us  looking  upon  another,  supposing  that  he  prophesied 
of  his  departure. 

Here  is  the  end  and  fall  of  pride  and  arrogancy  of  such  men, 
exalted  by  fortune  to  honours  and  high  dignities ;  for  I  assure 
you,  in  his  time  of  authority  and  glory,  he  was  the  haultest  man 
in  all  his  proceedings  that  then  lived,  having  more  respect  to 
the  worldly  honour  of  his  person  than  he  had  to  his  spiritual 
profession ;  wherein  should  be  all  meekness,  humility,  and 
charity ;  the  process  whereof  I  leave  to  them  that  be  learned 
and  seen  in  the  divine  laws. 

After  that  he  was  thus  departed.  Master  Kingston  sent  an 
empost  to  the  king,  to  advertise  him  of  the  death  of  the  late 


1 86  CJeiltfeof 

Cardinal  of  York  by  one  of  the  guard,  that  both  saw  and  heard 
him  talk  and  die.  And  then  Master  Kingston,  calling  me  unto 
him  and  to  the  abbot,  went  to  consultation  for  the  order  of  his 
burial. 

After  divers  communications,  it  was  thought  good  that  he 
should  be  buried  the  next  day  following  ;  for  Master  Kingston 
would  not  tarry  the  return  of  the  empost.  And  it  was  further 
thought  good  that  the  mayor  of  Leicester  and  his  brethren 
should  be  sent  for,  to  see  him  personally  dead,  in  avoiding  of 
false  rumours  that  might  hap  to  say  that  he  was  not  dead,  but 
still  living.  Then  was  the  mayor  and  his  brethren  sent  for;  and 
in  the  mean  time  the  body  was  taken  out  of  the  bed  where  he 
lay  dead  ;  who  had  upon  him,  next  his  body,  a  shirt  of  hair, 
besides  his  other  shirt,  which  was  of  very  fine  linen  holland 
cloth;  this  shirt  of  hair  was  unknown  to  all  his  servants  being 
continually  attending  upon  him  in  his  bedchamber,  except  to 
his  chaplain,  which  was  his  ghostly  father;  wherein  he  was 
buried,  and  laid  in  a  coffin  of  boards,  having  upon  his  dead 
corpse  all  such  vestures  and  ornaments  as  he  was  professed  in 
when  he  was  consecrated  bishop  and  archbishop,  as  mitre, 
crozier,  ring,  and  pall,  with  all  other  things  appurtenant  to  his 
profession.  And  lying  thus  all  day  in  his  coffin  open  and  bare- 
faced, that  all  men  might  see  him  lie  there  dead  without  feign- 
ing. Then  when  the  mayor,  his  brethren,  and  all  other  had 
seen  him  lying  thus  until  four  or  five  of  the  clock  at  night,  he 
was  carried  so  down  into  the  church  with  great  solemnity  by 
the  abbot  and  convent,  with  many  torches  light,  singing  such 
service  as  is  due  for  such  funerals. 

And  being  in  the  church,  the  corpse  was  set  in  our  lady  chapel, 
with  many  and  diverse  tapers  of  wax  burning  about  the  hearse, 
and  divers  poor  men  sitting  about  the  same,  holding  of  torches 
lighted  in  their  hands,  who  watched  about  the  dead  body  all 
night,  whilst  the  canons  sang  dirige,  and  other  devout  orisons. 
And  about  four  of  the  clock  in  the  morning  they  sang  mass. 


Cardinal  3^olsie^  187 

And  that  done,  and  the  body  interred.  Master  Kingston  with 
us,  being  his  servants,  were  present  at  his  said  funeral,  and  offered 
at  his  mass.  And  by  that  time  that  all  things  was  finished,  and 
all  ceremonies  that  to  such  a  person  was  decent  and  convenient, 
it  was  about  six  of  the  clock  in  the  morning. 

Then  prepared  we  to  horseback,  being  St.  Andrew's  Day 
the  Apostle,  and  so  took  our  journey  towards  the  court,  being 
at  Hampton  Court;  where  the  king  then  lay.  And  after  we 
came  thither,  which  was  upon  St.  Nicholas'  Eve,  we  gave  at- 
tendance upon  the  council  for  our  depeche. 

Upon  the  morrow  I  was  sent  for  by  the  king  to  come  to  his 
Grace;  and  being  in  Master  Kingston's  chamber  in  the  court, 
had  knowledge  thereof,  and  repairing  to  the  king,  I  found  him 
shooting  at  the  rounds  in  the  park,  on  the  back  side  of  the  garden. 
And  perceiving  him  occupied  in  shooting,  thought  it  not  my 
duty  to  trouble  him:  but  leaned  to  a  tree,  intending  to  stand 
there,  and  to  attend  his  gracious  pleasure.  Being  in  a  great 
study,  at  the  last  the  king  came  suddenly  behind  me,  where  I 
stood,  and  clapped  his  hand  upon  my  shoulder ;  and  when  I 
perceived  him,  I  fell  upon  my  knee.  To  whom  he  said,  calling 
me  by  name,  *  I  will,'  quoth  he,  '  make  an  end  of  my  game, 
and  then  will  I  talk  with  you ; '  and  so  departed  to  his  mark, 
whereat  the  game  was  ended. 

Then  the  king  delivered  his  bow  to  the  yeoman  of  his  bows, 
and  went  his  way  inward  to  the  place,  whom  I  followed ;  how- 
beit  he  called  for  Sir  John  Gage,  with  whom  he  talked,  until 
he  came  at  the  garden  postern  gate,  and  there  entered ;  the  gate 
being  shut  after  him,  which  caused  me  to  go  my  ways. 

And  being  gone  but  a  little  distance  the  gate  was  opened 
again,  and  there  Sir  Harry  Norris  called  me  again,  command- 
ing me  to  come  in  to  the  king,  who  stood  behind  the  door  in 
a  night-gown  of  russet  velvet,  furred  with  sables  ;  before  whom 
I  kneeled  down,  being  with  him  there  all  alone  the  space  of  an 
hour  and  more,  during  which  time  he  examined  me  of  divers 


i88  C{)e§lifeof 

weighty  matters  concerning  my  lord,  wishing  that  liever  than 
twenty  thousand  pounds  that  he  had  lived.  Then  he  asked  me 
for  the  fifteen  hundred  pounds,  which  Master  Kingston  moved 
to  my  lord  before  his  death.  '  Sir,'  said  I,  *  I  think  that  I  can 
tell  your  Grace  partly  where  it  is.'  *  Yea,  can  you  ? '  quoth  the 
king ;  '  then  I  pray  you  tell  me,  and  you  shall  do  us  much  pleas- 
ure, nor  it  shall  not  be  unrewarded.'  '  Sir,'  said  I,  'if  it  please 
your  Highness,  after  the  departure  of  David  Vincent  from  my 
lord  at  Scroby,  who  had  then  the  custody  thereof,  leaving  the 
same  with  my  lord  in  divers  bags,  sealed  with  my  lord's  seal,  he 
delivered  the  same  money  in  the  same  bags  sealed  unto  a  cer- 
tain priest,  [whom  I  named  to  the  king,]  safely  to  keep  to  his 
use.'  *  Is  this  true  ? '  quoth  the  king.  *  Yea,  Sir,'  quoth  I,  *  with- 
out all  doubt.  The  priest  shall  not  be  able  to  deny  it  in  my 
presence,  for  I  was  at  the  delivery  thereof.'  *  Well  then,'  quoth 
the  king,  *  let  me  alone  keep  this  gear  secret  between  yourself 
and  me,  and  let  no  man  be  privy  thereof;  for  if  I  hear  anymore 
of  it,  then  I  know  by  whom  it  is  come  to  knowledge.'  '  Three 
may,'  quoth  he,  '  keep  counsel,  if  two  be  away ;  and  if  I 
thought  that  my  cap  knew  my  counsel,  I  would  cast  it  into  the 
fire  and  burn  it.  And  for  your  truth  and  honesty  ye  shall  be  one 
of  our  servants,  and  in  that  same  room  with  us,  that  ye  were 
with  your  old  master.  Therefore  go  to  Sir  John  Gage  our  vice- 
chamberlain,  to  whom  I  have  spoken  already  to  give  you  your 
oath,  and  to  admit  you  our  servant  in  the  same  room ;  and  then 
go  to  my  Lord  of  Norfolk,  and  he  shall  pay  you  all  your  whole 
year's  wages,  which  is  ten  pounds ;  is  it  not  so  ? '  quoth  the  king. 
*  Yes,  forsooth.  Sir,'  quoth  I,  *  and  I  am  behind  thereof  for 
three  quarters  of  a  year.'  'That  is  true,'  quoth  the  king,  'for 
so  we  be  informed,  therefore  ye  shall  have  your  whole  year's 
wages,  with  our  reward  delivered  you  by  the  Duke  of  Norfolk.' 
The  king  also  promised  me  furthermore,  to  be  my  singular 
good  and  gracious  lord,  whensoever  occasion  should  serve. 
And  thus  I  departed  from  him. 


€nxtiiml  Wolst^  189 

And  as  I  went  I  met  with  Master  Kingston  coming  from 
the  council,  who  commanded  me  in  their  names  to  go  straight 
unto  them,  whom  they  had  sent  for  by  him,  '  And  in  any- 
wise,' quoth  he, '  for  God's  sake,  take  good  heed  what  ye  say  ; 
for  ye  shall  be  examined  of  such  certain  words  as  my  lord  your 
late  master  had  at  his  departure,  and  if  you  tell  them  the  truth,' 
quoth  he,  'what  he  said,  you  shall  undo  yourself;  for  in  any- 
wise they  will  not  hear  of  it :  therefore  be  circumspect  what 
answer  ye  make  to  their  demands.'  *  Why,  sir,'  quoth  I,  *  how 
have  ye  done  therein  yourself? '  '  Marry,'  quoth  he,  *  I  have 
utterly  denied  that  ever  I  heard  any  such  words  ;  and  he  that 
opened  the  matter  first  is  fled  for  fear  ;  which  was  the  yeoman 
of  the  guard  that  rode  empost  to  the  king  from  Leicester. 
Therefore  go  your  ways,  God  send  you  good  speed  ;  and  when 
you  have  done,  come  to  me  into  the  chamber  of  presence, 
where  I  shall  tarry  your  coming  to  see  how  you  speed,  and  to 
know  how  ye  have  done  with  the  king.' 

Thus  I  departed,  and  went  directly  to  the  council  chamber 
door  ;  and  as  soon  as  I  was  come,  I  was  called  in  among  them. 
And  being  there,  my  Lord  of  Norfolk  spake  to  me  first,  and 
bade  me  welcome  to  the  court,  and  said,  *  My  lords,  this  gentle- 
man hath  both  justly  and  painfully  served  the  cardinal  his  mas- 
ter like  an  honest  and  diligent  servant ;  therefore  I  doubt  not 
but  of  such  questions  as  ye  shall  demand  of  him,  he  will  make 
just  report,  I  dare  undertake  the  same  for  him.  How  say  ye  ? 
it  is  reported  that  your  master  spake  certain  words,  even  before 
his  departure  out  of  this  life  ;  the  truth  whereof  I  doubt  not  ye 
know  ;  and  as  ye  know,  I  pray  you  report ;  and  fear  not  for  no 
man.  Ye  shall  not  need  to  swear  him,  therefore  go  to,  how  say 
you,  is  it  true  that  is  reported  ? '  *  Forsooth,  sir,'  quoth  I, '  I 
was  so  diligent  attending  more  to  the  preservation  of  his  life 
than  I  was  to  note  and  mark  every  word  that  he  spake :  and, 
sir,  indeed,  he  spake  many  idle  words,  as  men  in  such  extrem- 
ities do,  the  which  I  cannot  now  remember.   If  it  please  your 


lordships  to  call  before  you  Master  Kingston,  he  will  not  fail  to 
show  you  the  truth.'  '  Marry,  so  have  we  done  already,'  quoth 
they,  'who  hath  been  here  presently  before  us, and  hath  denied 
utterly  that  ever  he  heard  any  such  words  spoken  by  your  mas- 
ter at  the  time  of  his  death,  or  at  any  time  before.'  *  Forsooth, 
my  lords,'  quoth  I,  *  then  I  can  say  no  more ;  for  if  he  heard 
them  not,  I  could  not  hear  them ;  for  he  heard  as  much  as  I, 
and  I  as  much  as  he.  Therefore,  my  lords,  it  were  much  folly 
for  me  to  declare  anything  of  untruth,  which  I  am  not  able  to 
justify.'  *  Lo ! '  quoth  my  Lord  of  Norfolk, '  I  told  you  as  much 
before ;  therefore  go  your  ways,'  quoth  he  to  me,  *  you  are  dis- 
missed, and  come  again  to  my  chamber  anon,  for  I  must  needs 
talk  with  you.' 

I  most  humbly  thanked  them,  and  so  departed ;  and  went  into 
the  chamber  of  presence  to  meet  with  Master  Kingston,  whom 
I  found  standing  in  communication  with  an  ancient  gentleman, 
usher  of  the  king's  privy  chamber,  called  Master  Radcliffe.  And 
at  my  coming,  Master  Kingston  demanded  of  me,  if  I  had  been 
with  the  council ;  and  what  answer  I  made  them.  I  said  again, 
that  I  had  satisfied  them  sufficiently  with  my  answer;  and  told 
him  the  manner  of  it.  And  then  he  asked  me  how  I  sped  with 
the  king ;  and  I  told  him  partly  of  our  communication ;  and 
of  his  Grace's  benevolence  and  princely  liberality  ;  and  how 
he  commanded  me  to  go  to  my  Lord  of  Norfolk.  As  we  were 
speaking  of  him,  he  came  from  the  council  into  the  chamber 
of  presence;  as  soon  as  he  espied  me,  he  came  into  the  window, 
where  I  stood  with  Master  Kingston  and  Master  RadclifFe ;  to 
whom  I  declared  the  king's  pleasure.  These  two  gentlemen 
desired  him  to  be  my  good  lord.  '  Nay,*  quoth  he, '  I  will  be 
better  unto  him  than  ye  ween ;  for  if  I  could  have  spoken  with 
him  before  he  came  to  the  king,  I  would  have  had  him  to  my 
service ;  the  king  excepted,  he  should  have  done  no  man  service 
in  all  England  but  only  me.  And  look,  what  I  may  do  for  you, 
I  will  do  it  with  right  good  will.'    'Sir,  then,'  quoth  I,  'will 


Cartrinal  3^olse^  191 

it  please  your  Grace  to  move  the  king's  majesty  in  my  behalf, 
to  give  me  one  of  the  carts  and  horses  that  brought  up  my  stuff 
vv^ith  my  lord's  (which  is  now  in  the  Tower),  to  carry  it  into 
my  country  ? '    *  Yea,  marry  will  I,'  quoth  he,  and  returned 
again  to  the  king ;  for  whom  I  tarried  still  with  Master  King- 
ston and  Master  Radcliffe,  who  said  that  he  would  go  in  and 
help  my  lord  in  my  suit  with  the  king.   And  incontinent  my 
lord  came  forth,  and  showed  me  how  the  king  was  my  good 
and  gracious  lord ;  and  had  given  me  six  of  the  best  horses  that 
I  could  choose  amongst  all  my  lord's  cart  horses,  with  a  cart  to 
carry  my  stuff,  and  five  marks  for  my  costs  homewards ;  and 
*  hath  commanded  me,'  quoth  he,  *  to  deliver  you  ten  pounds 
for  your  wages,  being  behind  unpaid ;   and  twenty  pounds  for 
a  reward;'  who  commanded  to  call  for  Master  Secretary  to 
make  a  warrant  for  all  these  things.  Then  was  it  told  him,  that 
Master  Secretary  was  gone  to  Hanworth  for  that  night.  Then 
commanded  he  one  of  the  messengers  of  the  chamber  to  ride 
unto  him  in  all  haste  for  these  warrants ;  and  willed  me  to  meet 
with  him  the  next  day  at  London  ;  and  there  to  receive 
both  my  money,  my  stuff,  and  horses  that  the  king  gave 
me:  and  so  I  did;  of  whom  I  received  all  things 
according,  and  then  I  returned  into  my  coun- 
try. And  thus  ended  the  life  of  my  late 
lord  and  master,  the  rich  and  tri- 
umphant Legate  and  Cardinal 
of  England,  on  whose  soul 
Jesu  have  mercy ! 
Amen. 

Finis  quod  G.  C. 


[     192    ] 


(HO  list  to  read  and  consider,  with  an  indif- 
ferent eye,  this  history,  may  behold  the  won- 
drous mutability  of  vain  honours,  brittle  as- 
surance of  abundance,  the  uncertainty  of  dig- 
nities, the  flattering  of  feigned  friends,  and 
the  tickle  trust  to  worldly  princes.  Whereof 
this  lord  cardinal  hath  felt  both  of  the  sweet  and  the  sour  in 
each  degree;  as  fleeting  from  honours,  losing  of  riches,  deposed 
from  dignities,  forsaken  of  friends,  and  the  inconstantness  of 
princes'  favour;  of  all  which  things  he  hath  had  in  this  world 
the  full  felicity,  as  long  as  Fortune  smiled  upon  him :  but  when 
she  began  to  frown,  how  soon  was  he  deprived  of  all  these  dream- 
ing joys  and  vain  pleasures!  The  which  in  twenty  years  with 
great  travail,  study,  and  pains  obtained,  were  in  one  year  and 
less,  with  heaviness,  care,  and  sorrow,  lost  and  consumed.  O 
madness  !  O  foolish  desire  !  O  fond  hope  !  O  greedy  desire 
of  vain  honours,  dignities,  and  riches  !  O  what  inconstant  trust 
and  assurance  is  in  rolling  fortune !  Wherefore  the  prophet 
said  full  well,  Thesaurisat,  et  ignorat,  cui  congregabit  ea.  Who 
is  certain  to  whom  he  shall  leave  his  treasure  and  riches  that 
he  hath  gathered  together  in  this  world?  it  may  chance  him 
to  leave  it  unto  such  as  he  hath  purposed;  but  the  wise  man 
saith.  That  another  person,  who  peradventure  he  hated  in  his  life^ 
shall  spend  it  out,  and  consume  it. 


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